§ Ms Roseanna CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of424W State for Health (1) what additional funding for HIV/AIDS therapy has been allocated in light of the increased availability of more effective HIV/AIDS drug treatments; and if he will make a statement; [2432]
(2) what steps he is taking to ensure full availability of combination therapies, counselling services, dietetic treatments, in-patient services, psychiatric support in the community and district nurse services and other necessary services for HIV/AIDS patients; and if he will make a statement. [2436]
§ Ms JowellThe Department has allocated a total of £199.6 million for HIV/AIDS treatment and care in 1997–98. This represents a seven per cent. increase over the allocation for 1996–97 as a contribution towards new combination therapies and the Department is keeping in close touch with health authorities, clinicians and others on developments in this area and the costs and benefits associated with them.
The treatment and care budget, which is allocated to health authorities in line with the number of AIDS cases, is intended to cover services for people with HIV and AIDS as determined through local needs assessment and priorities.