Hunter demands rethink on rejection of "life-saving" heart pill

2.01.01pm GMT Fri 29th Jan 2010

Mark is calling for a review into the refused drug that could save up to 40,000 lives a year

Local MP Mark Hunter has blasted NICE, the agency which authorises all prescribed drugs, over its controversial decision to refuse patients a new heart disease pill Dronedarone which costs just £2 a day that would save an estimated 40,000 lives per year, and has demanded a meeting with NICE - the organisation that gives permission for all prescription drugs to be used on the NHS - calling for a major rethink.

The issue was highlighted on the front page of the Daily Express this Wednesday in opposition to this move. As a signatory to a special cross-party parliamentary motion, Mark was quoted as saying "It won't be the first time that NICE has got guidelines wrong in the opinion of the British public." Many Doctors across the country have also contacted NICE about their decision to refuse patients the heart disease pill.

Mark has now demanded a meeting with NICE and is calling for a major rethink on the issue. On 24th February 2010 there will be another meeting which will pay further consideration to the situation and Mark is calling on NICE to permit patients, carers and health professionals to give evidence at the drug's second appraisal.

Commenting to the Daily Express, Mark said:

"At the end of the day, Dronedarone represents a huge step forward for heart patients.

"It's a breakthrough drug and if it can benefit all these people, then it's got to be worthy of a reassessment by NICE."

Mark added:

"We are talking about 40,000 lives in one year - this decision should not be taken likely - the people of Britain deserve better.

"This is why I am demanding an urgent meeting with NICE to assure that our patients across the country get the best deal, and that we do not give up on the lives of all those people who simply need this crucial treatment.

"I will fight for these people until we get the response we need."