Thailand marks ‘Rare Disease Day 2016’

BANGKOK, Feb 27 (TNA) -- The sixth ‘Rare Disease Day Thailand 2016’ is organised in Bangkok on Saturday to educate the general public on how to look after themselves and get proper treatment on the rare diseases. Presided over the opening ceremony was Dr Supan Srithamma, director-general of Public Health Ministry’s Medical Services Department. Representatives of patients suffering from rare diseases including the SMA, the Hunter, the Prader-Willi Syndrome and the Spinocerebellar Ataxia appeared on the stage and showed their talents by singing and telling stories to audiences. Currently, about 5 per cent of patients suffer from rare diseases in Thailand while the disease that was found fewer than 1 in 2,000 of population is defined rare disease in Thailand. The main objective of International Rare Disease Day is to raise awareness amongst the general public and decision-makers about rare diseases and their impact on patients’ lives. The Rare Disease Day is observed internationally on the last day of February each year. (END)