Last year, Lithuania allocated more than 22 million euros towards the treatment of very rare and complex diseases, establishing a framework to compensate for the costs of particularly expensive medications. This undertaking involves negotiations with pharmaceutical manufacturers, assessment of clinical data, and ensuring sustainable funding to facilitate the treatment process for patients in need.

The compensation system for the treatment of rare diseases in Lithuania is individualized, where decisions are made based on requests submitted by healthcare institutions, paying close attention to the unique circumstances of each patient. A dedicated commission, focused on compensating the expenses for the treatment of very rare human health conditions, deliberates on the funding for such treatments, demonstrating a commitment to addressing the needs of these patients effectively.

The State Health Insurance Fund (VLK) coordinates the commission's activities and issues guarantee letters to healthcare facilities based on the commission's decisions. These letters ensure that medical institutions will cover the patient's treatment costs, granting patients the ability to receive necessary assistance without any additional financial burden. In the past year, 469 patients benefited from this funding, evidencing the advancement and accessibility of rare disease treatments in the country.