MSP in tears of joy over drug boost
Baillie’s delight as lifesaver medicine gets OK
A CAMPAIGNING MSP broke down in tears yesterday as she celebrated securing lifesaving drugs for cystic fibrosis patients.
Labour’s Jackie Baillie was overcome with emotion as she asked Nicola Sturgeon about the new arrangements for Orkambi and Symkevi in the Holyrood chamber.
Drug firm Vertex have reached a deal with the Scottish Government for precision treatments through individual patient applications.
Baillie launched a campaign on the issue after her constituent Kelli Gallacher, 25, told of her struggle to get Orkambi, without which she may only have a few years left.
Hundreds of people living in Scotland could benefit from the drugs, which can maintain lung function and, in some cases, improve it.
Lungs with less damage means a better chance of surviving past the average life expectancy of 31.
The pressure resulted in the drugs being made available to the NHS at a discounted rate.
At First Minister’s Question’s, Baillie thanked Health Secretary Jeane Freeman and her officials, the cross-party group of MSPs including Alex Neil, Anas Sarwar and Miles Briggs, and the Record for their support.
She added: “I know that the Gallachers and all the families are delighted and regard this as a wonderful Christmas present.”
Sturgeon replied: “I hope this good news will be welcomed across the chamber.”