Simon Harris calls for speedy response over cancer drugs

Health Minister Simon Harris has said he expects the HSE to consider approval of cancer drugs Nivolumab and Pembrolizumab in the coming days.

It comes as the HSE last night said that if a decision in relation to new medicines would have “a substantial budget impact” , then the decision on whether to acquire those drugs would be batted back to Government departments for approval.

Last week, oncologists criticised delays in funding Nivolizumab and Pembrolizumab and warned patients could die if the drugs were not made available immediately.