Jackie Blue MP
National Party Associate Health Spokeswoman
24 July 2008
More empty Labour platitudes on cancer
National Party Associate Health spokeswoman Jackie Blue says it is ironic that Labour says it will keep a close eye on a
new prostate cancer drug trial, the results of which will be some years away.
“Given the dithering over long overdue prostate cancer guidelines, and the kerfuffle over Herceptin, it’s hard to accept
any assurance that Labour offers.
“This Labour Government needs to focus on the present.
“A lack of guidelines for health professionals means that there are a whole variety of prostate cancer testing practices
occurring through out the country.
“Accurate and balanced information needs to be disseminated to men and their families in order for them to make an
informed decision about prostate cancer testing.”
Dr Blue says National has been repeatedly calling for action.
“Of course the other irony is that even if the new drug proves to be effective, New Zealanders will have to watch in
envy as other countries fund it and listen to excuses as the idea bounces around the various Pharmac committees before
getting knocked back.”
ENDS