ACCESS TO MEDICINES IN THE UK

Early day motion 1626, tabled 8 September 2003 by Barbara Follett (Labour). Signed by 43 members.

That this House welcomes the publication of the Eastern Region Pharmaceutical Group's case pack highlighting many of the difficulties faced by patients in the UK in gaining access to medicines and treatment; notes the informative case studies drawn from a wide range of therapy areas including obesity, breast cancer, pain management and hepatitis C, displaying the myriad-factors that stand in the way of patients' access to healthcare; further notes that access to healthcare is not simply an issue of access to the best medicines, but also about access to consultants, specialists and support services; and calls on the Government to work in partnership with the pharmaceutical industry to ensure that the best treatment is always made available to patients.

Signatures by party: Labour 21, Liberal Democrat 11, Conservative 9, DUP 1, Independent Ulster Unionist 1.