MULTIPLE sclerosis pat-ients in Bromsgrove and Droitwich Spa are being denied much-needed disease-modifying treatments because of lack of funding.
Radius Healthcare Ltd believes some sufferers will experience an irreversible progression of their disease beyond the stage at which benefit from treatment can be expected because of the delays.
It has revealed the National Institute for Clinical Excellence first promised guidance to the NHS on disease-modifying drugs for MS in August 2000.
Guidance is not expected before November 2001 because Worcestershire Health Authority cannot spare the cash.
A spokesman for the Surrey-based healthcare company said: "Is this really fair when there are drugs available that can offer so many people treatment for their condition?"
MS sufferer Judith Andrews, from Droitwich Spa, said: "It's a disgrace people are being forced to wait longer to find out whether they are able to receive drugs."
A health authority spokesman said: "The National Institute for Clinical Excellence will be preparing guidance for health authorities on this issue later this year and we will await its decision."
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