Support for Patients with Rare Diseases in Odesa
In Odesa, patients with rare diseases have been receiving free medications and specialized nutrition for many years through the «Health» program.
For 2025, the Odesa city budget allocates 26.8 million UAH for the medical needs of these patients. This support from the city government significantly improves the quality of life for patients, helps prevent complications, and reduces the financial burden on their families.
In particular, within the framework of the «Health» program, 21 patients with phenylketonuria have been provided with specialized nutritional mixtures, including 12 children and 9 adults. This enables patients who cannot consume regular food to receive adequate nutrition, maintaining their physical and mental health. Continuous provision of nutritional support helps prevent complications in older age.
Regarding patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, over the past nine months, 60 children and 50 adults have been supplied with biological medications purchased with state budget funds. Additionally, within the «Health» program, three adult patients have been provided with expensive biopharmaceuticals funded by the city budget, which are not purchased through state funding.
The provision of these medications has improved the well-being of patients, alleviated pain, and enhanced the quality of life, allowing children to participate in sports and dance activities.
Throughout the first nine months of 2025, 175 patients with other rare diseases also received medications, including 132 patients with ankylosing spondylitis, 29 individuals with psoriatic arthritis, as well as patients with acromegaly, Takayasu disease, and other conditions.
For many years, children with hemophilia in Odesa have been provided with essential blood clotting factor medications free of charge through the city budget, preventing serious complications. This year, 11 children with hemophilia are receiving factor replacement therapy funded by the state budget.
Timely and accessible treatment has significantly improved the quality of life for patients with rare diseases, allowing them to live fulfilling lives and halt the progression of disabilities.
