In an interview, Dr. Katarzyna Muras-Szwedziak discusses the challenges faced by patients with rare diseases in Poland, particularly the indifference of the healthcare system. She emphasizes that these patients do not receive adequate recognition or support, often having to resort to crowdfunding to access necessary treatments. The lack of attention from the system is striking, given the high costs of therapies and the small patient population that requires them.

Dr. Muras-Szwedziak argues that the healthcare system's financial calculations deem the funding for rare diseases to be "unprofitable," leading to significant delays in diagnosis and treatment. The long diagnostic process can take years, leading to immense financial strain on patients and their families. She believes a shift in perspective is essential; individuals with rare diseases should be treated with the same importance as any other patient, ensuring that they receive timely and appropriate healthcare services.

Furthermore, she advocates for improved access to genetic diagnostics and training for healthcare professionals as a way to reduce the overall costs incurred by the healthcare system. By speeding up the diagnostic process and ensuring patients receive timely treatment, the state could potentially save resources and improve the overall quality of life for patients suffering from rare diseases, many of whom lose their ability to work due to prolonged misdiagnosis or lack of support.