The designation of “palmoplantar pustulosis” as a state-managed rare disease will lower the cost of medical care for patients by around 90 percent.
On Nov. 29, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) designated 66 diseases, including palmoplantar pustulosis, as new nationally managed rare diseases. The designation was made after deliberation by the Rare Disease Management Committee by Article 2 of the Rare Disease Management Act and Article 2 of the Enforcement Rules of the same Act.
The Korean Psoriasis Association welcomed the move on Tuesday. “This designation will be an important step in providing a more stable and effective treatment environment for patients,” the statement said.
Palmoplantar pustulosis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by recurrent pockets of sterile pus and hand and foot inflammation. According to the association, it can be extremely painful and itchy, and without proper treatment, symptoms can worsen and severely impair quality of life.
The high cost of biologics has been a barrier to accessing effective treatments. With this rare disease designation, patients will be eligible for a special benefit calculation system, lowering their out-of-pocket expenses to 10 percent and enabling them to receive timely and appropriate treatment.
“The designation of palmoplantar pustulosis as a rare disease is an important step forward that gives new hope to patients,” said Dr. Kim Sung-ki, president of the Korean Psoriasis Association. “We will continue to strive to improve patient access and rights.”
The association credited the result to the dedication of the Korean Psoriasis Association's medical staff and healthcare authorities.
“This achievement was made possible thanks to the efforts of all those who, with their expertise and passion, have been working to raise awareness of the seriousness of pustular palmoplantar disease and to continue research and treatment to reduce the suffering of patients,” it said.
From now on, the association plans to expand various support projects to protect patients' rights and continue to work with related organizations to provide practical help so that all psoriasis patients, including those with pustular pustules, can lead healthy lives in a better treatment environment.
“The rare disease designation of palmoplantar pustulosis is an important opportunity for patients to receive appropriate treatment in a more stable environment,” said Dr. Park Eun-joo, director of public relations at the association. “The Korean Psoriasis Association will continue to strive to improve patients' quality of life, and through this designation, we will seek more extensive support and effective treatment options.”
Park added that the association looks forward to providing patients with the information and resources they need to help them return to a healthy and happy life.