§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the provision within the NHS for treating leishmaniasis. [106208]
§ Yvette Cooper[holding answer 1 February 2000]: Services for the diagnosis and treatment of leishmaniasis, as for other imported infections, are provided by and through the patient's general practitioner. If the patient has a mild form of the disease, this would be managed by the GP. If, however, the patient has a more severe form of the disease, the GP would refer the patient to a hospital specialist. Consultants in dermatology, infectious diseases or tropical diseases would be appropriate, depending on the clinical presentation and local circumstances.