The rare disease persons card implementation in Portugal
The Portuguese Ministry of Health Shared Services and Directorate General of Health, recently announced the implementation of the Rare Disease Person’s Card (RDPC). Coded using the ORPHA code system, this card is meant to identify the rare disease patient and display the relevant information of the condition as well as information especially required during an emergency situation. An article published in Procedia Computer Science describes the process of preparation, approval and the regulatory model of the card. According to the authors, due to nascent stage of the implementation of these cards, there is still room for the card to evolve and expand. Still, 828 cards have been requested through the family physician of the concerned patients, regarding 738 different rare diseases, half of which have been activated. The card is increasing awareness and empowerment of rare disease’s patients, pushing the project forward and improving health care. Download the document from Direcção-Geral da Saúde
