Call For Cystic Fibrosis Drugs To Be Extended To NI

Calls have emerged for lifesaving Cystic Fibrosis drugs to be made available in Northern Ireland following a landmark decision for provision on NHS England.

A deal was struck with manufacturer Vertex Pharmaceuticals for supplies of Orkambi and Symkevi in England just weeks after the Scottish Government made the same move.

Access to the precision medicines has been shown to slow the decline in lung function and reduce hospital admissions, prompting local politicians to demand the provisions be extended to Northern Ireland.

Sinn Fein MP Órfhlaith Begley said Orkambi should be made available locally, bringing the region in line with England and the Republic of Ireland.

"While this serious illness cannot be cured, Orkambi has been shown to significantly slow the rate of decline of lung function," the west Tyrone MP said.

"The Department needs to ensure this happens as a matter of urgency in order to provide equal treatment to those with cystic fibrosis here."

Although some 4,387 people in England are now set to benefit, local Cystic Fibrosis patients remain without a deal.

Ulster Unionist MLA Robbie Butler said people have been left to suffer for far too long, in some cases coming to serious harm while effective drugs were known to exist.

"Whilst I am delighted for patients in England, my thoughts are now with local families here in Northern Ireland who still have no access to these drugs," Mr Butler said.

"There is now a decision to be taken locally and as far as I am concerned there can only be one outcome. The drugs must be made available here as they have been in England."

The UUP MLA warned that the absence of a local Executive and Health Minister is likely to delay the process. His party colleague Lord Empey recently introduced a bill to transfer Northern Ireland's health functions back to Westminster while Stormont remains suspended.



(JG/CM)