Tony Holland, IPWSO President, writes about Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and his personal experience in the UK:
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of having access to medical care that is affordable. This is particularly important for people with rare disorders, such as Prader-Willi Syndrome, where there may be a range of often complex health needs.
Being from the UK I take for granted the National Health Service (NHS) and the fact that treatment is free. I was born the year it was established and have worked in it for the whole of my professional life.
Rare Diseases International and Eurordis are campaigning for universal health coverage – they are asking organisations such as IPWSO as well as country bodies, such as PWS associations, to advocate at a national level for the implementation of UHC that is inclusive of rare diseases.