Poots welcomes £25 Million funding for anti TNFs/ biologic treatments

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The Minister was speaking after his department was allocated £25million in-year funding by the Executive. This consisted of £5million to purchase crucial drugs and treatments, £15million to implement an invest to save scheme and £5million in capital funding.

Mr Poots said: “Recently I outlined in the Assembly my intention to address the problem of access to specialist drugs and other NICE recommended treatments. The shortfall is unacceptable. This funding will provide specialist drugs such as anti TNFs/ biologic treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis, cochlear implants and also address the backlog in accessing drug therapies including treatment for cancer, hepatitis C, growth failure in children, rheumatoid arthritis and eye disease.

“This is good news for hundreds of people waiting for life-enhancing treatments. This allocation is of real importance in correcting a serious gap in the access to therapies which can relieve symptoms and, in some cases, extend life. This is a demonstration of my commitment to providing life-enhancing drugs. This funding will assist in this regard this year, but it is essential that we find a longer-term stream of funding to ensure their availability going forward.”

Source: northernireland.gov.uk