Written question asked by Mohammad Sarwar (Labour) on Wednesday, 31 March 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 13 April 1999. It was answered by Sam Galbraith (Labour) on Tuesday, 13 April 1999 on behalf of the Scottish Office.

Scottish Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, if he will estimate the number of patients with multiple sclerosis in each health board area who would benefit from the provision of beta-interferon in Scotland.

Answer: Mr. Sarwar: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will estimate the number of patients with multiple sclerosis in each health board area who would benefit from the provision of beta-interferon in Scotland. [80010] Mr. Galbraith: It is not possible to estimate the number of patients with multiple sclerosis in each Health Board who would benefit from the provision of Beta-Interferon. By no means all patients with the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis benefit from the use of this drug and decisions as to individual patients' eligibility for this treatment depend on the clinical judgment of the medical practitioners concerned. From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 329 c200W; 80010
Session: 1998-99
Subjects: Health authorities NHS Medical treatments Multiple sclerosis Scotland