Gélinas Advocates for Better Support for People with Rare Diseases
The New Democrats have reintroduced a bill aimed at establishing a formal plan to support individuals with rare medical conditions in Ontario. This initiative addresses the challenges faced by people struggling with rare diseases, such as limited access to early diagnosis, screening, and treatment.
Call for a Provincial Strategy
France Gélinas, MPP for Nickel Belt and official opposition health critic, highlighted the need for a comprehensive strategy to assist residents affected by rare and uncommon diseases.
Gélinas' private members bill, co-sponsored by Dr. Robin Lennox, Hamilton Centre NDP MPP and opposition critic for Mental Health, Addictions, and Primary Care, urges the Ministry of Health to create this strategy.
Details of the Proposed Bill
The proposed law, Bill 59, requests the Conservative government to implement a provincial strategy that follows the 19 recommendations from the Rare Diseases Working Group’s 2017 report.
Rare diseases impact nearly one in 12 Canadians, meaning more than 1.3 million Ontarians are dealing with a rare disease.
According to the NDP news release, every stage from disease prevention to diagnosis and treatment is challenging, leaving many to face significant hardships alone.
Expected Benefits if Bill 59 Passes
- Improved early diagnosis and screening for rare diseases
- Better access to existing treatments
- Availability of new and emerging medications
If passed, Bill 59 would help improve early diagnosis, screening and treatment including access to existing as well as new and emerging medication.
This legislation aims to ease the burden on Ontarians affected by rare diseases and ensure systemic support through government action.
Author’s Summary: The reintroduced Bill 59 seeks to establish a provincial strategy in Ontario, improving diagnosis, treatment, and access to medication for over 1.3 million residents affected by rare diseases.