A longstanding deadlock between pharmaceutical company, Vertex and NHS England is preventing those with Cystic Fibrosis from accessing vital medicine. Over a year ago, Prime Minister Theresa May said that she was seeking a ‘speedy resolution’ to the matter, still no progress has been made.
Inspired by a promise made to a 5-year-old girl in his city, Portsmouth MP Stephen Morgan has taken part in a Westminster Hall Debate urging the Government to put patients first and do everything they can to end this deadlock.
Stephen Morgan MP said:
“I made a promise to 5-year-old Ivy from Portsmouth that I would speak up for her and others who live with Cystic Fibrosis, I am just saddened that it is still necessary for me to do so.
While the Government claims Vertex’s price of over 100,000 pounds per year per patient is too high and Vertex claim their offer is better than any other ever proposed to a Government, those with Cystic Fibrosis continue to suffer.
We have seen 5 debates on this issue. Now we need to see action.”
Today’s three-hour debate was secured by over 100,000 people submitting their signatures and calling on the Government to act on the issue.
It is essential that the negotiating foundations are securely laid down as it is likely that Vertex, the pharmaceutical company in question, will develop treatments that could help 90% Cystic Fibrosis sufferers across the UK.
During the Westminster Hall Debate Mr Morgan said:
“We live in a nation that forged a National Health Service from the ashes of World War Two.
We live in a nation that prides itself on universal healthcare for all.
We live in a nation that is the envy of the world because healthcare is free at the point of delivery, and based on clinical need, not ability to pay.
We must see progress and we must see it quickly. It has been announced that Vertex Pharmaceuticals could potentially develop treatments for 90% of those who live with Cystic Fibrosis over the next 5 years.
If solid, robust negotiating foundations are not established now, then this could undermine patient access for generations.”
Following continued interaction with Gemma and Ivy Weir, local Cystic Fibrosis activists from Portsmouth, Mr Morgan has been working in Parliament in a bid to break the deadlock.
The MP has written to all 650 MPs urging them to take part in the #strawfiechallenge, written to two Health Secretaries, spoken in debates and written to the Prime Minister. Mr Morgan has cited 5-year-old Ivy as the inspiration for the continued pressure applied to Government.
To watch the speech visit: https://youtu.be/Ogcnm_UiXt4
