Zhejiang providing coverage for rare diseases

Zhejiang has become the first province in China whose medical insurance will cover rare diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease.

The move brings hope for patients with rare diseases struggling with high medical costs and a lack of treatment.

Starting on Friday, the province will allow local patients with ALS, Gaucher's disease and phenylketonuria, or PKU, to have their medical fees partially reimbursed, the Zhejiang human resources and social security department said.