SINN Féin Health spokesperson Councillor Patricia Logue has called for the introduction of the drug Orkambi as treatment for Cystic Fibrosis sufferers in the north of Ireland.
She said: “As an all-Ireland party, we believe Cystic Fibrosis sufferers in the north should be able to access the best treatment which is available to citizens in the south.
“Sinn Féin actively supported the successful campaign to make Orkambi available in the south.
“As part of that support, then Minister for Health Michelle O’Neill lobbied her counterpart in Dublin to explore an all-Ireland approach to making Orkambi available island-wide.
“Disappointingly, we didn’t receive a response, howeve, we have consistently supported Cystic Fibrosis patients and families thoughout Ireland and we will continue to do so.
“We call on Vertex Pharmaceuticals and the British Government to reach agreement, so that eligible patients can access Orkambi and receive the best available treatment to tackle Cystic Fibrosis,” she added.
