South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met with patients suffering from rare diseases and their families, pledging to improve government assistance for their medical needs. He visited the Heavy Ion Therapy Research Institute in Seoul to show support for this vulnerable group. President Lee emphasized the importance of ensuring that individuals with rare conditions receive adequate medical care without facing financial hardships.
Lee recognized the challenges faced by patients with rare diseases, noting the lack of attention and support they often receive due to their small numbers. Despite government efforts to enhance medical services for this group, he acknowledged that more needs to be done. During the visit, accompanied by the Health Minister, Lee expressed his commitment to gathering feedback from patients and their families to enhance services and support for them.
Patients with rare diseases often struggle with financial burdens and accessing necessary medications due to regulatory obstacles. Additionally, President Lee Jae Myung apologized to victims affected by toxic humidifier disinfectants, labeling the situation as a “social disaster.” Sales of these harmful sterilizers were halted in 2011, and a special law was enacted in 2017 to compensate victims. President Lee expressed condolences to the victims and their families, emphasizing the government’s responsibility to address such tragedies and prevent similar incidents in the future.
President Lee’s apology follows previous government actions to compensate and support victims of the humidifier disinfectant case. The state’s liability in compensating victims was officially recognized by a court last year, highlighting the need for comprehensive measures to address such public health crises. The President vowed to review existing systems and frameworks to prevent similar tragedies, underscoring the government’s duty to safeguard people’s lives and well-being.
