Minister for Health should give women certainty on Pembro

Issued : Wednesday 5 December, 2018

Labour Health spokesperson, Alan Kelly TD, has called on the Health Minister to ensure that Pembro is available to all Cervical Cancer patients who are eligible to take the drug as soon as possible.

Deputy Kelly said:

“Firstly I want to congratulate Vicky Phelan, Aine Morgan, and Tracey Brennan on their campaigning efforts to ensure that there is equity of access when it comes to the provision of Pembro for cervical cancer patients. It has been a privilege to work with these strong women over the last month.

“I have raised this issue in the Dáil and Health Committee continuously over the last month. TDs and Senators will have the opportunity to engage with patients and clinicians later today at a briefing I have organised on the issue of Pembro at 5:30 pm in the AV Room, Leinster House. 

“Minister Harris needs to outline a clear timetable as to when Pembro will be made available to the women it is suitable for. Time is not on the side of many women and given the stressful time of year, knowing when Pembro will be procured will give many of them hope in the run-up to Christmas.

“Currently many women who are on the drug Pembro are fundraising to be available to afford this treatment.

“The legal, medical and moral argument made by women like Vicky, Áine and Tracey, has already been won, now the Minister needs to provide the funding and give women and their families certainty as to when they will receive this drug.”