Sick denied drugs due to ‘HSE rationing’

Hundreds of patients are being denied fast access to vital stroke, multiple sclerosis, bipolar disorder and hepatitis C drugs because the HSE is “rationing” money for new treatments.

Pharmaceutical sector representatives made the claim after a new skin cancer drug was only given the go-ahead due to media criticism over its lack of availability.

Sources said between 10 and 15 drugs which are cleared for funding have witnessed delays in recent months due to health service cutbacks.