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Postcode lottery for macular disease (MD) prevention drugs
On April 13th the House of Lords debated the unequal regional use of drugs that could prevent the loss of sight of people diagnosed with Macular disease. Yes, it’s back to that old chestnut, the postcode lottery. Some Primary Care Trusts are allowing their medics to prescribe these 2 drugs (Macuden and Lucentis) for wet MD, on the grounds of their proven effectiveness. Others, pleading poverty, are hiding behind the slowness of NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) to approve the drugs for general use. Apart from the moral issue, don’t they know that the cost of meeting the needs of blind people far exceeds the cost of preventing blindness?
Help is at hand with the Macular Disease Society and the RNIB teaming up and launching Action for AMD Treatment (AAT). Contact them on 0845 241 201if you are having difficulties getting access to these drugs.
If you want to write to or email your MP on this issue, Sandwell Council’s, Members Services on 569 2200 will give you contact details in any format you choose. If you have difficulty in getting this info contact us by using the contact us form on this site or contact me by email grahampri@gmail.com.