Abstract

Each rare disease affects comparatively small part of the population, but as a whole, rare diseases emerge as a serious public health problem because health insured patients are not offered the chance to receive a contemporary medical treatment. The pharmaceutical industry is not interested in investments in R&D of orphan drugs because of the high expenses and low returns. A review of the world practice on rare diseases is done. Specific suggestions and terms of reference to the respective authorities are tendered towards the establishment of a national policy on rare diseases and orphan drugs in Bulgaria.

---

Address for correspondence: Chair of Social medicine and healthcare management; MU Plovdiv;
e-mail: [email protected]