More on Lucentis
February 24, 2010 Judi
I continue to hear more about the Lucentis issue and in the last few days received emails and a phone call from an individual concerned with the NDP’s approach to this issue.
Specifically, he cited a letter than came from Matt Wiebe, NDP candidate for the by-election, addressed to “the Voters of Concordia” in which Mr. Wiebe states, “At the moment, this condition can be treated at Misericordia Eye Care Centre of Excellence at no cost to the patient”.
This statement seems to imply that this issue is not as serious as it is. It leaves out two very important points that Manitobans should know:
- The treatment offered at Misericordia is a drug called Avastin. This drug is not approved by Health Canada for injection into the eye for the treatment of Wet Macular Degeneration. The side effects are not known for it’s use in this way.
- There are patients who are unresponsive to Avastin. Their choice is to either pay for Lucentis out of pocket (at around $1000 a shot) or to go blind.
Wiebe goes on to say that “Recently some legitimate concerns have been raised that Manitoba Health should provide another publicly funded treatment option using the drug Lucentis.”
The trouble with that statement is that it’s not recent. It has been three years that the NDP government has heard from people about this without providing coverage. The people that I have had emails from and discussions with are tired of reassurances that it will happen and they want action.
I do hope the NDP carries out it’s latest reassurance that Lucentis will be covered by Spring. I wonder, however, how many people lost their sight in the last 3 years waiting. I am also concerned with the lack 0f forthrightness of the current government, which includes no explanation for the delays and seems to placate and mislead the people of Manitoba as to the seriousness of this issue.
My career has been built on being responsive to the needs of those I have a responsibility to. Do you feel it’s time for a change? On March 2nd, vote for Judi.
Entry Filed under: Health and tagged: Health care, Lucentis, Pharmacare, Seniors
