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On International Rare Disease Day on 29 February 2024, the University Centre for Rare Diseases Basel is resolutely pursuing its mission as an important point of contact for children and adults with rare diseases. For the population in the Basel region, this means better opportunities for diagnosis and access to modern, personalised therapies.
Around 8000 rare diseases are currently known and affect hundreds of thousands of people in Switzerland. Those affected and those treating them often do not know where the conditions originate and are faced with a mystery. In many cases, it can take a long time for a diagnosis to be made due to the low level of awareness and lack of specialised knowledge about rare diseases. Less than 1 in 2000 people suffer from rare diseases. Due to their rarity, people with such diseases are not only confronted with delayed diagnosis, but also with non-standardised care and treatment options in the Swiss healthcare system.
In view of these challenges, the Swiss Coordination Centre for Rare Diseases (KOSEK) was founded to ensure improved coordination and care for patients with rare diseases. The University Centre for Rare Diseases Basel offers support and appropriate care, particularly for children, adolescents and adults who cannot initially be diagnosed despite extensive diagnostics.
Prof. Mike Recher, Head of Immunology at the University Hospital Basel and Co-Head of the University Centre for Rare Diseases Basel, emphasises: "Rare Disease Day gives us the opportunity to raise awareness of the special challenges faced by people with rare diseases."
Dr Andreas Wörner, Head of Paediatric Rheumatology at the University Children's Hospital Basel and also Co-Head of the University Centre for Rare Diseases Basel, adds: "We are committed to shortening diagnosis times and optimising the care of our patients in order to improve their quality of life."
The University Centre for Rare Diseases Basel is a joint service of the University Hospital Basel and the University Children's Hospital Basel (UKBB) and a contact point for children and adults with complex, unclear diseases without a previous diagnosis of a rare disease. With a multidisciplinary team of experts, the centre offers optimal care for patients and is actively committed to improving the situation of people with rare diseases. The University Hospital Basel and the University Children's Hospital Basel are part of the Rare Diseases Network Northwest and Central Switzerland.
058 387 78 82 (Costs are settled via the health insurance company)
In the event of an emergency abroad, call the emergency number of your health insurance company. You will find the contact details on your health insurance card.
145 (Poison and Information Centre)
University Children's Hospital of both
Basel, Spitalstrasse 33
4056 Basel | CH
Phone +41 61 704 12 12
© UKBB, 2025
The Medgate Kids Line provides quick and uncomplicated medical advice if your child is unwell. The medical team of our partner Medgate is available to you by telephone around the clock.
For emergencies abroad: Call the emergency number of your health insurance company. You will find this number on your health insurance card.
More information: On the Page of the emergency ward you will find everything you need to know about behaviour in emergencies, typical childhood illnesses and waiting times.
144 Outpatient clinic
145 Tox Info Suisse (Poisonings)
117 Police
118 Fire brigade
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