200 babies each year would benefit from expanded newborn screening

Rare Diseases Ireland is advocating for the expansion of newborn screening services in Ireland to save or improve the lives of 200 babies each year. Currently, babies in Ireland are screened for nine conditions, while the European average is 18. The organization is calling on government officials to take action and expand the screening program to meet European standards. Delayed diagnosis of rare diseases has a significant impact on families, both financially and psychologically. The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has been given resources to assess the addition of more conditions to the screening program. Overall, improving newborn screening services in Ireland is crucial for the wellbeing of babies and their families.

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