Santiago.- Patients suffering from Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, along with their families and directors of the Foundation for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, Colitis and Crohn’s of the Northern Region, held a vigil this Tuesday in Santiago to denounce the lack of high-cost medications intended for new beneficiaries of the state health program, a situation that, they claim, puts the lives and stability of dozens of people at risk.
The demonstration took place at Ercilia Pepín park, in front of the José María Cabral y Báez Regional University Hospital, where participants demanded urgent intervention from the Government and health authorities to guarantee access to the biological treatments required by patients affected by these chronic inflammatory diseases.
The organizers denounced that the difficulties not only affect those waiting to enter the high-cost medication program, but also patients who are already part of it and need modifications to their therapeutic regimens due to the evolution of their medical conditions.
During the vigil, Nayeli García, 25 years old, narrated the economic struggle she faces to be able to afford her treatment.
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She explained that the medication she uses has been unavailable for more than two years, which has caused her body to stop responding, a situation that has become a problem for her and other patients who benefit from the program and are struggling with illnesses
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“We are talking about patients who depend on these medications to maintain an acceptable quality of life and avoid serious complications”, stated representatives of the foundation, who described the situation as a public health issue that requires immediate attention.
The protesters stated that the day aimed to make visible the reality faced by hundreds of families affected by these diseases and to demand the right of patients to receive timely and continuous treatments.
Likewise, they called on the authorities to adopt measures to guarantee the supply of medications and prevent more people from having their treatments interrupted due to a lack of resources or access to the state program.
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The participants concluded the activity by expressing their hope that the authorities will listen to their demands and adopt solutions that allow patients to continue their treatments and live with dignity.
