LETTER: Scottish doctors doubt MS drug
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: The Scottish Office Department of Health has not decreed that beta interferon may not be prescribed by Scottish neurologists, nor would it ever do so ("The price of health and the doctor's dilemma", 11 March). Whether or not to prescribe a licensed preparation has to be a clinical decision by the doctor concerned.
What did happen was that I received a letter in November last year, signed by all 25 consultant neurologists in Scotland, expressing the view that "there is not enough evidence to recommend this drug to MS patients in routine clinical practice" mainly because the only published random allocation trial of the drug did not show that it produced any reduction in cumulative disability.
The same view was subsequently expressed by the directors of public health of the 15 Scottish health boards, and, I understand, is shared by many neurologists working in other parts of the UK.
Dr R E Kendell
Chief Medical Officer
Department of Health
The Scottish Office
St Andrew's House,
Edinburgh
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments