Rare Disease Community Applauds Ontario Health Minister's Commitment to Take Action for Ontarians with Rare Diseases

Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders

"Ontario Can Take the Lead to Change the Lives of People with Rare Diseases"

TORONTO, Feb. 29, 2016 /CNW/ - Today, on International Rare Disease Day, the Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders (CORD) welcomes the announcement made by Ontario Health Minister Eric Hoskins to open a new clinic for patients with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), which could be expanded to other rare disorders, as well as his commitment to strike a working group to develop an Ontario approach to a coordinated provincial healthcare system for patients with rare disorders.

Minister Hoskins mentioned his commitment to establish a rare disease working group, which will include patient leaders and clinicians, surrounded by patients and caregivers during a luncheon hosted today by CORD at Queen's Park.

"Minister Hoskins' previous efforts on behalf of patients with urgent and underserved needs gives Ontario families with rare diseases great hope that his leadership and commitment will inspire other stakeholders and offer an example for other provinces" said Dr. Durhane Wong-Rieger, President and CEO of CORD.

Patients who attended the luncheon at Queen's Park expressed optimism.  Said Riyad Elbard, a Torontonian living with the blood disorder thalassemia said, "I have been fighting for change for 25 years and this feels like it could be the turning point in healthcare for rare disease in Ontario."

Michael Eygenraam, a patient living with atypical hemolytical uremic syndrome (aHUS), expressed similar hope, stating that "as rare disease patients, we have individual needs but we also share a common commitment to a common good.  With today's announcement, Ontario is sending a message to patients and their families that their needs are being recognized, and Ontario is inviting us to work together towards achievable and sustainable solutions. Now, let's get to work because we simply can't afford to wait any longer."

Over the past year, CORD went on a cross-country tour with Canada's Rare Disease Strategy, which is widely supported by patients, caregivers, clinicians, researchers and industry representatives from coast to coast.

Dr. Wong-Rieger added that "the Ontario working group announced today is a first step in implementing Canada's Rare Disease Strategy in the province, and we look forward to being a part of setting the mandate and agenda to assure tangible and timely progress on all five pillars of the Strategy, namely, diagnosis, care, community support, access to treatment and research".  

About Canada's Rare Disease Strategy
Based on extensive consultation, Canada's Rare Disease Strategy, announced last May, establishes five major goals: improving early detection and prevention; providing timely, equitable and evidence-informed care; enhancing community support; providing sustainable access to promising therapies; and promoting innovative research. For the complete plan, go to: www.raredisorders.ca/canadas-rare-disease-strategy/. Follow us on Twitter at #Canada4Rare.

About the Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders (CORD)
CORD is Canada's national network for organizations representing all those with rare disorders. CORD provides a strong common voice to advocate for health policy and a healthcare system that works for those with rare disorders. CORD works with governments, researchers, clinicians and industry to promote research, diagnosis, treatment and services for all rare disorders in Canada. www.raredisorders.ca

SOURCE Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders

Image with caption: "Ontario Health Minister Eric Hoskins speaking with Durhane Wong-Rieger, President and CEO of the Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders, at Queen's Park on International Rare Disease Day. (CNW Group/Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160229_C7871_PHOTO_EN_631540.jpg

Dianna Eakins, Eakins Communications Inc., Phone: [phone], [email protected]; Durhane Wong-Rieger, Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders, [phone], [email protected]