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Yvonne Jones, Opposition Health and Community Services Critic and MHA for
the District of Cartwright-L’Anse au Clair, says while she is pleased that
government included three Alzheimer drugs to the provincial drug plan in
this year’s budget, she is disappointed that people suffering from Multiple
Sclerosis and Arthritis have been forgotten once again. "I was pleased
that this government finally recognized the plight and high costs facing
patients suffering from Alzheimer disease," said Ms. Jones. "While I welcome
the addition of the drugs Reminyl, Exelon and Aricept, I would have liked
government to make a similar investment for patients facing prohibitive drug
costs associated with diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis and Arthritis.
"With a budget surplus of over $70 million, this government had plenty of
opportunity to help other patients deal with high drug costs. Individuals
suffering from Multiple Sclerosis and Arthritis have demonstrated the
hardships that their drug costs are having on their lives. People in this
province should not have to sacrifice everything they own and worked for
throughout their lives to pay for their medication. I hope government will
revisit this decision and include prescription drugs for these diseases as
well."
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