§ Mr. Kelleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what facilities are available under existing agreements with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics for the free treatment of United Kingdom citizens in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics for the condition described in United Kingdom medical terms as retinitis pigmentosa.
§ Dr. OwenA patient with retinitis pigmentosa could be considered under the provisions of the UK/USSR Agreement on Co-operation in the Field of Medicine and Public Health whereby, in exceptional cases, a citizen of one country may travel to the other to receive, with all expenses paid, treatment not available to him at home. The specialist in charge of his case and the medical authorities of both countries would need to be satisfied that such treatment would be positively beneficial and in the present experimental stage of the treatment for retinitis pigmentosa it has not been possible for this requirement to be met.
§ Mr. Kelleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if there have been any difficulties imposed by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on United Kingdom citizens seeking treatment at the Helmholtz Institute, Moscow, for the condition known as retinitis pigmentosa.
§ Dr. OwenI believe that the Soviet authorities have given helpful consideration to United Kingdom citizens seeking treatment for retinitis pigmentosa at the Helmholtz Institute, despite the heavy440W pressure on the Institute from numerous applicants in the Soviet Union and elsewhere.
§ Mr. Kelleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what medical assessment has been made by the ophthalmic faculty of United Kingdom medicine of the serum treatment for retinitis pigmentosa, now being practised at the Helmholtz Institute in Moscow; and if there are any political impediments to studies being carried out.
§ Dr. OwenA United Kingdom ophthalmic consultant is in Moscow at the moment, under the terms of the United Kingdom/USSR Reciprocal Agreement on medical co-operation, to discuss with his Soviet colleagues work on ophthalmic diseases in our two countries. It is contemplated that in the course of this visit he will be afforded an opportunity to observe the experimental treatment for retnitis pigmentosa at the Helmholtz Institute.
§ Mr. Kelleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many United Kingdom citizens have received treatment in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics for the condition known as retinitis pigmentosa; and how many are applying for such treatment and awaiting admission.
§ Dr. OwenIt is not possible to give exact figures, as patients make private arrangements direct with the Helmholtz Institute. But I am aware of 10 United Kingdom patients who have received treatment in the Soviet Union for retinitis pigmentosa.