More than 17,000 people signed a petition for maintaining the availability of drugs for rare and oncological diseases, which they handed over to Minister Šašek.[1] Patients point out that Slovakia lags behind in the availability of drugs for rare diseases compared to Europe, and they fear that their categorization will stop.[1] The diagnosis of rare diseases is lengthy, for example it took 12 years for patient Lukáš with Friedreich's ataxia.[1] The medicine Skyclarys, which has improved his strength, energy and articulation, is not categorized in Slovakia, so patients apply for it through collections.[2] Another patient, Adam, was helped by a more effective drug to go to school, but it is not available in Slovakia.[2] Most rare diseases, more than 95 percent, are not curable, and decision-making on new drugs has slowed from 11-13 months to more than 20 months in 2025.[3] Minister Šaško negotiated with patients about a comprehensive solution, including diagnostics and care.[1]