§ Mrs. Iris RobinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many patients are waiting to commence beta interferon or glatiramer for multiple sclerosis treatment; and if he will make a statement. [173605]
§ Angela SmithAt 20 May 2004 there were 76 patients on the waiting list for disease-modifying treatments such as beta interferon or glatiramer; included in this number are a small number of patients who have signalled that they do not wish to commence treatment as yet.
My Department remains committed to introducing drugs that offer the potential for significant improvement in patient care. There is a growing demand for treatment with disease-modifying drugs for people who suffer from MS and substantial extra funding has been made available to Health and Social Services Boards for these and other specialist medicines. However, despite this additional investment, there continue to be waiting lists for treatment due to the increasing levels of demand. My Department will continue to seek additional resources for specialist medicines that offer the potential for significant improvement in patient care.
§ Mrs. Iris RobinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many patients are receiving(a) beta interferon and (b) glatiramer for multiple sclerosis; and how many of each have commenced treatment since 1 January. [173607]
§ Angela SmithAt 20 May 2004 there were 513 patients receiving disease-modifying treatments such as beta interferon or glatiramer, with a further 17 currently suspended from treatment at present.
During the period from 1 January 2004 to 31 May 2004, 26 patients have commenced treatment.