§ Helen JacksonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he is taking to ensure uniformity of treatment for multiple sclerosis sufferers across the United Kingdom. [13785]
§ Mr. BoatengWe are keen to ensure a greater degree of equity in the availability of treatment for people with multiple sclerosis, wherever they may live. Existing guidance requires all health authorities to develop policies which allow the prescribing of beta interferon, in relation to alternative uses of available resources, in suitable cases.
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§ Helen JacksonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients suffering from multiple sclerosis were offered beta interferon by each heath authority in(a) 1995, (b) 1996 and (c) 1997. [13807]
§ Mr. MilburnWe do not know how many patients were offered beta-interferon, but the number of prescription items for beta-interferon products dispensed in the community in England is shown in the table. In order not to disclose information that may relate to an individual patient, information is only provided where 50 items or more have been dispensed. In no health authority in 1995 were 50 or more items dispensed.
Prescription items for beta-interferon dispensed in the community in England 1995 1996 Berkshire — 75 West Surrey — 142 East Surrey — 81 Ealing Hammersmith and Hounslow — 85 England 182 806 Comparable data for 1997 are not yet available.
The cost of prescribing beta interferon in hospitals is not available.