The Labour Health Minister has implied that her unknown financial commitment to replace PIP breast implants from private providers is not based on medical advice.
The Minister has confirmed that she still has no idea of the numbers of women affected or the costs to the taxpayer.
Darren Millar AM, Shadow Minister for Health, said, “The Welsh Government decision to replace PIP implants has given private clinics a get out of jail free card and could cost taxpayers thousands.
“It is astonishing that Ministers have written a blank cheque, at a time when the NHS is already facing severe budgetary pressures.
“The Labour Health Minister has absolutely no idea how much NHS cash she has taken away from frontline services to fund implant replacement treatment for private patients.
“The Minister implies that her decision to use scarce NHS resources to undertake cosmetic replacement surgery for private patients is not based on any medical advice.
“Patients and taxpayers have a right to know whether the Minister has received any expert medical advice to influence her decision.
“Private clinics have a duty of care to their patients and taxpayers should not have to foot the bill for treatment unless it is required on medical advice.”
