Campaign for Change
Health chiefs are facing calls to remove barriers preventing NHS cancer patients from accessing life-prolonging medications. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is under fire for imposing stringent criteria for approving new drugs for individuals with incurable tumors.
Plea for Action
Charities, including Breast Cancer Now and campaigner Nadia Sawalha, are pushing for a revision of the rules. Despite protests and appeals, NICE is showing reluctance to alter its stance following an internal review that deemed the current system as functioning correctly.
Impact on Patients
The introduction of a "severity modifier" in NICE guidelines has led to the rejection of drugs like Enhertu for breast cancer and IsaPD for myeloma patients in England. This decision has sparked outrage among campaigners who argue that patients are being deprived of crucial treatment options and valuable time.
Industry Concerns
The Association for the British Pharmaceutical Industry has joined the chorus of voices calling for a policy adjustment. They warn that NICE's approach could discourage drug companies from introducing new treatments to the NHS, ultimately limiting patient access to innovative medications.
Seeking Solutions
NICE has placed the blame on pharmaceutical companies for setting high prices for their products. The organization emphasizes the importance of fair pricing as a means to ensure timely and equitable access to effective medicines for patients in need.
