The government said Friday it will establish medical centers specializing in the research and development of early diagnosis and treatment of rare diseases, as well as medicines, in the coming years. (Image: Yonhap)
SEOUL, Dec. 29 (Korea Bizwire) — The government said Friday it will establish medical centers specializing in the research and development of early diagnosis and treatment of rare diseases, as well as medicines, in the coming years.
In a four-year roadmap for the effective treatment of rare disorders, the Ministry of Health and Welfare said it will establish medical centers throughout the country to treat patients suffering from rare illnesses by 2021.
The midterm strategy also includes national registration of patients suffering from rare diseases in order to treat them effectively.
The government will invest heavily in the training of doctors and other medical staff who can provide expert services in the diagnosis and treatment of rare ailments, as well as counseling for sufferers.
Also included in the project is financial support for medical expenses incurred by patients.
“We are building a national system for the management of rare diseases by 2021,” a ministry official said. “We are also enhancing international cooperation for the development of … diagnosis and treatment of rare disease so we can raise the quality of lives of patients of rare diseases and their families.”
(Yonhap)
