SYDNEY RIVER – The Progressive Conservative Caucus is calling upon Health Minister Maureen MacDonald to follow the Province of Saskatchewan's lead, and fund trials of the Liberation Treatment for Nova Scotians suffering from Multiple Sclerosis.
“So far, all evidence for the Liberation Treatment has shown to improve the quality of lives for people who are afflicted with Multiple Sclerosis,” said Progressive Conservative Health critic, Chris d’Entremont. “The cost of drugs for Multiple Sclerosis patients is approximately $2000 per month, in addition to the emotional and physical costs, the care they require, and the inability of some to work.”
During the Spring Session of the Legislature, the Progressive Conservative Caucus, lead by Cape Breton West MLA Alfie MacLeod, called on Minister MacDonald and Premier Darrell Dexter to fund the chronic cerebro-spinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) procedure for use on Nova Scotians with Multiple Sclerosis.
The Minister and Premier were pressed in May by families of loved ones inflicted by Multiple Sclerosis, but the NDP refused to cover the costs of the Liberation Treatment.
“The NDP have to step up and support Nova Scotians who are seeking a better life through this treatment,” said MacLeod. “The costs to our health care system, and the financial burden placed on families only further stresses those who are suffering with the effects of Multiple Sclerosis.”
MacLeod’s wife, Shirley, is afflicted with Multiple Sclerosis, and recently received the Liberation Treatment in Mexico at the MacLeod’s own expense.
“When you have an opportunity to improve the quality of life for a loved one, you try to do it,” said MacLeod.
The Progressive Conservative Caucus has received letters, e-mails, and telephone calls from those suffering from Multiple Sclerosis, and their families, encouraging them to call on the NDP government to fund the Liberation Treatment.
“Instead of forcing people to leave Canada to improve their quality of life, the Dexter government should live up to their commitment of ‘A Better Deal for Families’, and fund CCSVI treatment at home,” said MacLeod. “It would then be accessible to all Nova Scotians.”
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For more information, please contact:
Sarah Reeves, Communications Officer
Nova Scotia Progressive Conservative Caucus
902.499.9948
