Support for EB Patients

A total of 4,737 packages of dressing materials and bandages are provided to patients with EB (Epidermolysis bullosa) across Iran every month by the EB House in Tehran, according to its manager Hamidreza Hashemi Golpayegani.

“The free supply of such essential materials by the government is a ray of hope for EB patients, as many of them cannot afford the high costs which can go up to five million rials ($130) per package,” he said, IRNA reported.

Opened in June 2015 under the auspices of the Tehran-based Iran University of Medical Sciences, the specialized health house is equipped to provide patients with free medical services including continuous supply of the costly special dressing materials and medicines, as well as diagnosis, control and prognosis by specialists.

It was established following a directive from Health Minister Hassan Ghazizadeh Hashemi, to pursue the problems of EB patients and help alleviate their plight.  EB is a group of inherited connective tissue diseases that cause blisters in the skin and mucosal membranes. The prevalence is approximately eight per million and the incidence 19 per million live births. It is estimated that 500 people suffer from EB in Iran.