The Minister for Health announced that funding has been allocated for the screening of Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) and Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) in babies as part of the National Newborn Bloodspot Screening Programme. The funding of €700,000 will allow for the rollout of testing for these two conditions, along with the nine existing diseases already included in the programme. Additional resources will also be given to support the screening of further conditions, including metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD). The Minister expressed the importance of expanding the screening programme to make a real difference in the lives of families affected by rare diseases and to align with government commitments.
Source link