Rochdale MP slams epithelium decision! (Rochdale Liberal Democrats)

Rochdale Liberal Democrats <info@rochdalelibdems.org.uk>

Rochdale MP slams epithelium decision!

August 1, 2006 9:27 PM

Rochdale MP - Paul Rowen has slammed the recommendation of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) to withdraw a vital drug in the fight against mesothelioma. Alimta can extend and improve the quality of mesothelioma sufferers lives, Mesothelioma is a form of cancer and is caused by exposure to asbestos. The reason for the refusal of NICE is purely financial and has led to widespread condemnation.

Rochdale in Greater Manchester is an area with an above average number of mesothelioma sufferers. This was because of the former Turner Brothers Asbestos (TBA) site which was the largest asbestos textile factory in the world was based in Rochdale, the site processed asbestos for over 100 years. The Town's MP - Paul Rowen said, "I find the decision of NICE to be disgraceful, they have quite obviously put money before people's suffering and I am shocked. Experts have told me that the NICE Appraisal cost around £1m, yet the cost of using this effective drug is estimated to be only £3m a year. The main reason behind this decision is purely financial - this will be a blow to Mesothelioma sufferers many of whom are my Constituents. This is plain wrong, here we have people suffering who have paid into the health system all their lives. It is them who have been let down, they have paid into the health system through their jobs and are now suffering as a consequence. I appreciate that this drug doesn't save lives but it improves the quality of sufferers lives."

Paul Rowen MP has tabled an Early Day Motion (EDM) and is hoping to attract support from MP's from all parties. He said, "I fear the worst in this case, I hope that the drug will not be withdrawn in this penny pinching exercise, I am afraid that this will happen if the conclusions are repeated in NICE's final report in October. I hope that Secretary of State for Health, Patrica Hewitt intervenes and that common sense prevails.