Welsh Conservatives have renewed their calls for improved access to cancer drugs in Wales.
Responding to a written statement from the Health Minister – listing a number of reasons why she will continue to refuse patients easier access to cancer treatments – Shadow Minister for Health Darren Millar AM said:
“There is absolutely nothing irresponsible about giving Welsh cancer sufferers the same access to drugs as English patients.
“That the Minister thinks there is will rightly astound those who are battling cancer – along with their loved ones.
“There remain 24 life-prolonging cancer drugs routinely available in England that are not easily accessible to patients in Wales. That is unjustifiable.”
The Rarer Cancers Foundation has suggested a similar fund in Wales could be established for as little as three million pounds a year.
Mr Millar said:
“It will amaze and frustrate Welsh cancer sufferers that the Minister continues to squirm out of what is an affordable policy. A cancer treatments fund is within her means, even despite her record-breaking cuts to the NHS.
“When our health boards were bailed out to the tune of over 12 million pounds last month, the First Minister called it a small sum. If that is a small sum, then he must agree that three million pounds to open up access to modern cancer drugs is certainly a price worth paying.
“If the Welsh NHS can afford to pay for free prescriptions for drugs like paracetamol and athlete’s foot powder for millionaires, then it ought to fund modern cancer busting treatments for those who need them.”
