SDLP Health Spokesperson Mark H Durkan has welcomed a response from the Department of Health in relation to his call to secure cannabis-based treatment for epilepsy and multiple sclerosis.
Whilst NICE guidance for Epidyolex are expected to be finalised in the coming weeks, it has been confirmed that the HSC Board can commission this drug in the interim.
The Department also confirmed that Sativex is due for their endorsement on 3 January 2020.
Said the Foyle MLA: “It is great to finally see positive movement here in relation to life-enhancing cannabis-based medicines, following similar approvals in England.
“Confirmation of progress will no doubt be welcome news for many campaigners and people living with debilitating conditions like epilepsy and multiple sclerosis.
“It’s been a long, hard-fought journey and we’re not there yet but this is a step in the right direction.
“This is an issue that I and the SDLP have worked hard to progress and prior to the collapse of the Assembly, I met with the previous Health Minister to discuss the importance of the legislating on medicinal cannabis here.
“So I am pleased the Department have taken up the baton to ensure that patients here can access the same treatments available across the water.
“However, it is lamentable that it took Billy Caldwell to take extremely ill before movement was made on this issue.
“And that Stormont stalemate has delay this vital decision almost three years and counting.”
Charlotte Caldwell with her brave son Billy who needs cannabis oil to help him through his severe epilepsy,
“By securing this life-changing treatment we can improve the lives of many people here living with debilitating illnesses.
“People cannot continue to wait in pain.”
