§ Hugh RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what the criteria are for the prescription of beta interferon to multiple sclerosis sufferers; and how patients obtain funding. [82018]
130W
§ Mr. Lammy[holding answer 20 November 2002]All patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) and those with secondary progressive MS, in which relapses are the dominant feature, are eligible under the "risk-sharing scheme" for treatment with a disease modifying drug on the national health service if they meet the criteria set out by the Association of British Neurologists.
Patients with relapsing-remitting MS should:
be able to walk independently (beta interferons) or at least 100 metres withoutassistance (glatiramer acetate);have had at least two clinically significant relapses in the last two years; andbe aged 18 or over.Patients with secondary progressive MS should:
be able to walk at least 10 metres with or without assistance;have had at least two disabling relapses in the last two years;have had minimal increase in disability due to gradual progression over the last two years; andbe aged 18 or over.NHS bodies are required to fund any treatment within this scheme prescribed by clinicians for eligible patients, in accordance with statutory directions.