[Speaking in the Seanad during Order of Business]
I would be grateful if the Deputy Leader could find out something for me. I was very distressed to find out from a patient, in correspondence I received this morning, that the drug fampyra, which has been shown to improve the ability of patients with multiple sclerosis who have impaired mobility to walk, is now being withdrawn. Also, folks who have MS, many of whom who are bad enough to need the drug – I will not say most – will not be able to work and, therefore, will be on a fixed income, depending on their supports. They have now been told that they will have to find €300 per month to pay for the drug as support for it has been withdrawn.
MS is a relatively uncommon condition and it is only prescribed for patients with MS who need the medication. I know we do not live in an economic vacuum and I know the health service does not exist in an economic vacuum. However, I also know that the HIQA and the Department of Health is still hiring public relations people, that HIQA could find the money to increase the number of inspectors up to over 200 and that front-line staff, as we mentioned yesterday, are being reduced and replaced with more expensive agency staff.
Reducing the mobility of a patient with MS increases his or her dependence, and also the costs and investment in other health care and social support resources that must be made. It is a classic example of non-joined-up thinking. Whatever department of the HSE is responsible for drug budgets just sees its budget. It is classic silo thinking and silo mentality. It is the same kind of thinking which resulted in the closure of the obesity surgery unit in St. Vincent’s when every one of its operations saved money. We must convey the message that colossal mismanagement is taking place. I have highlighted this further example and thank Senators for their attention.
