SDLP Health Spokesperson Mark H Durkan has welcomed today’s announcement that will see improved access to specialist drugs for cancer and other conditions suffered by people living in the North of Ireland.
Cancer patients in the North of Ireland are to have the same access to drugs currently being offered to patients in the rest of the UK.
Up until now some patients with cancer and other conditions were denied access to certain drugs mainly due to cost.
The Foyle MLA commented: “For many years the SDLP have stood shoulder to shoulder with sufferers of cancer and other conditions fighting for fair access to treatment.
“The current situation where some patients in Northern Ireland are offered a second class service compared to those in England is unfair and it is, as it always has been, unjust.
“Why should someone in Derry not get the same chance or treatment as someone in Derby?
“This reform of the Individual Funding Request process will ease the suffering and improve the lives of many people here and give their loved ones the comfort of knowing they are being given the most suitable drugs for their condition – be it cancer, MS or anything else.
“While today’s announcement is welcome, it is long overdue. Today we think of all those who have campaigned for this civil right and those who would have benefited from it but who are sadly no longer with us,” added Mr Durkan.
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