Mid and West Wales Assembly Member Eluned Morgan AM has welcomed the launch of the Welsh Labour Government’s new treatment fund. The £80 million fund is being made available immediately.
The groundbreaking fund will provide speedier access to new medicines for patients across Wales. The fund was one of Welsh Labour’s key pledges at last year’s election.
The regional AM said, “I am delighted that less than a year from the election the Welsh Labour Government are moving quickly to implement this important policy pledge.
“This fund will give patients across Mid and West Wales access to innovative new medicines that support people with life-threatening conditions.
“New medicines and treatments are being developed constantly to treat a huge range of conditions. This fund will help residents to access these treatments sooner, helping to remove uncertainties around funding.
“This will make a huge difference to patients and their families”.
Health Boards across Wales including local health boards will be given £12 million immediately, with a further £4 million being made available later. The fund will provide additional support of £16 million annually.
Note for Editors
Under the new system, all health boards in Wales will be required to make a NICE or AWMSG recommended medicine available no later than two months from the date the final guidance is published. This shortens the maximum amount of time before which a health board must make a treatment available by a third.
For further information please contact:
philippa.thompson@assembly.wales
07789 340957
