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Ball asks government to address Multiple Sclerosis drugs in upcoming budget April 5, 2007
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Dwight Ball, Opposition Health and Community Services Critic and MHA for the District of Humber Valley, says the time has come for government to cover Multiple Sclerosis (MS) drugs and he is encouraging government to address this issue in the upcoming budget. AFrom all signals that have been recently floated by government, it certainly appears that there will be something in the upcoming budget for MS patients,@ says Mr. Ball. AI am taking this opportunity to remind government to address this issue in a real way and ensure that any initiative looks after the needs and financial burden of MS patients. Similar to wait time standards that are being developed throughout the country, it is important that MS patients in this province receive similar and equal treatment available to MS patients across Canada. AAs a pharmacist, I have seen first-hand the impact costly drugs such as MS can have on people=s lives. Individuals should not have to sacrifice everything they own and worked for throughout their lives to pay for their medication. While this government has provided some investment into drug coverage, it has only benefited low income individuals and those on social assistance with drug cards. There are 1,030 people in the province diagnosed with MS, only 400 of them actually receive the therapies that are prescribed. The rest cannot afford the cost. There are 600 people in our province who cannot afford these drugs which cost anywhere from $17,000 to $28,000 annually. AI am hopeful that this issue will be addressed in the upcoming budget. If a proper investment is not made, MS patients and their families will continue to suffer. This is not acceptable and I encourage the Minister of Health and Community Services to ensure this is one of his priorities as we near budget day in three weeks time.@ |
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