SINN Féin Foyle Karen Mullan says she is “delighted” by the announcement by the Department of Health that will improve access to innovative cancer treatments to patients in the north of Ireland.
Speaking after the announcement, the Foyle MLA said:
”Today’s news from the Department of Health is an important development for cancer patients seeking new and innovative treatments.
“It means treatments that are made available through the Cancer Drug Fund in England which have received conditional approval from NICE – the institute for health and care excellence – will also be made accessible to patients in the north.
“It is important that this development announced by the department is implemented in a timely manner and that cancer patients and organisations are engaged from the outset on the process.
“It is also important that patients suffering from non-cancer-related illnesses also have access to innovative medicines where safe and appropriate.
“Reform of the Individual Funding Request (IFR) process must provide other patients with the opportunity of accessing new and innovative treatments.
“It is important that the Department of Health provides detail on the reform of IFR as soon as possible.
“We will be requesting a meeting with department’s Permanent Secretary to seek further detail on IFR reform,” she added.
