MS scheme hit by neurologist shortage
The supply of beta interferon and glatiramer by means of the “risk sharing scheme” to patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) is being slowed by a shortage of neurologists needed to assess patients' eligibility, according to Schering Health Care.
Although more than 3,000 patients with MS have been enrolled on the scheme
since it was launched in May last year (PJ, 3 August 2002, p153), recruitment
of patients is 35–50 per cent behind the target set for the end
of this month.
Dr Jackie Napier, medical director at Schering Health Care, said: “MS
is just one of a wide range of conditions that neurologists manage and
with only half the neurologists we need, the requirements of the scheme
may have placed an unfair burden on them”. Alan Thompson, head
of corporate affairs at Schering, added: “Regional variations that
the scheme was set up to overcome still exist.”
The risk sharing scheme allows patients who meet certain criteria to
be prescribed disease modifying drugs, and the price paid for them by
the National Health Service will vary depending on whether expected patient
benefits are realised.
The National Institute for Clinical Excellence guideline for the management
of MS was published this week.
News feature, p736 |
