Patients of CML finally see light at the end of tunnel
Dr Lynda Scott - National Health Spokesperson
National Health spokesperson Dr Lynda Scott says she is delighted that Novartis and Pharmac have reached provisional
agreement on the funding of Glivec.
Dr Scott has been calling for the funding of Glivec for some time.
“This drug has proven to be successful in extending the lives of CML sufferers. It offers such hope to these cancer
patients that the details of this agreement need to be sorted out quickly.
“It is a matter of urgency to achieve open access to Glivec for patients currently waiting for this drug. The waiting
for them is like sitting on a knife-edge.
“I am meeting with the Minister of Health tomorrow on this issue and I look forward to discussing with her the entry and
exit criteria for access to this drug,” Dr Scott said.