Latvia to cover spinal muscular atrophy medicine for Gunta Anča

Latvia will cover the cost of medicine for Gunta Anča, a disability rights advocate who has spinal muscular atrophy, LSM reported. The National Health Service has added the medicine to the list of reimbursed drugs, Anča confirmed.

Anča, who leads the organisation Sustento, said she had received confirmation from the service and signed a supply agreement with the manufacturer. The medicine is already available at pharmacies.

A fundraising campaign began in September because the state had not covered treatment for adults with the condition. The therapy costs 132,000 euros. Donations enabled Anča to take the medicine for a month, and she said her health had not worsened during that time.

At least 12 other people in Latvia have a similar diagnosis, Anča said. She suspects there may be more patients whose diagnoses have not yet been confirmed. The medicine is needed to prevent their health from deteriorating.

Ziedot.lv said unused donations could be redirected to help other seriously ill people. Donors can also request a partial refund of money given for Anča’s treatment by contacting the organisation by November 14.