Cyprus wants progress in research on rare diseases, as well as finding solutions for a common market and supply of orphan drugs, said on Monday Minister of Health Michalis Hadjipandelas, speaking at a High Level Meeting entitled "Care and innovation pathways for a European rare diseases policy ”, in Paris.
The participating Health Ministers spoke about recent developments in Ukraine and agreed to discuss ways to help those affected at next week's conference.
According to a statement from the Ministry, Mr. Hadjipandela referred to the national policy of Cyprus in the field of rare diseases, saying that our country manages all initiatives related to rare diseases as an important asset and tool, and hopes for continuous development. European initiatives to optimize the cooperation of MS.
He said that the financing and sustainability of existing and new projects in terms of developing further synergies for the inclusion of smaller Member States is an important tool in this regard and referred to the main difficulties facing Cyprus in developing a holistic approach to the care of patients with rare diseases, which are mainly related to the small population ratio, the specialization of professionals in several fields of rare diseases, the geographical distance and the economic constraints.
For these reasons, he said, Orphanet as a European information base for Doctors, researchers and patients in the field of Rare Diseases, is particularly important for Cyprus, expressing, therefore, the desire to ensure its long-term financial viability.
The Minister of Health also made a special reference to the European Reference Networks, emphasizing their important role in bridging the scientific gap that is observed between MS and Specialists in the treatment and management of specific rare diseases.
Source: KYPE