HC Deb 28 March 2000 vol 347 cc214-5
10. Mr. Andrew Robathan (Blaby)

When the National Institute for Clinical Excellence will examine the drug infliximab. [115157]

The Minister of State, Department of Health (Mr. John Denham)

rose—

Mr. Owen Paterson (North Shropshire)

What about Gisela? Give her a go.

Madam Speaker

Order. That is disgraceful, juvenile behaviour. I call the Minister.

Mr. Denham

We are considering a number of possible topics for appraisal by NICE during the year 2000–01, and an announcement will be made as soon as possible.

Mr. Robathan

Crohn's disease is an extremely unpleasant condition, which is not terribly common but common enough for those who suffer from it. Infliximab, which was licensed last August, appears to be a very effective treatment for many cases. Does the Minister remember the remarks of his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State—then a Minister of State—on 30 June 1998? He said:

As of now, no one will be denied the drugs that they need. That is a guarantee.—[Official Report, 30 June 1998; Vol. 315, c. 143.] Could he explain to Crohn's disease sufferers in my constituency and throughout the country why they are being denied infliximab and why, when they ask for it, they are told that it has not yet been evaluated by NICE? That seems to them to be rationing by proxy, and they would like to be given the drugs that they need and which their consultants believe they need.

Mr. Denham

In preparation for this question, I have endeavoured to establish whether any parts of the country are experiencing problems in the prescribing of that drug for Crohn's disease, and I am assured that in the great majority of health authorities, including Leicestershire, treatment with infliximab is now being funded in appropriate cases. If doubt about that remains, the hon. Gentleman may want to contact me. He will of course welcome the additional £11.3 million of resources that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has allocated to Leicestershire today—at least I hope that he will welcome it—because that will undoubtedly enable the health authority to meet a variety of patient needs, including increased drug costs.