Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh insists there is no shortage of drugs to treat Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
Speaking in the Senate Tuesday, Deyalsingh responded to questions from the Opposition, which were based on media reports of a particular drug being in short supply.
According to Mr Deyalsingh, doses were ordered.
He said the ministry had gotten 600 syringes of the Beta Interferon drug in mid-December and more are expected this month.
“But that drug is an injectable with a 30 per cent efficacy rate. It’s no longer recognised as effective treatment for MS. We signed on with a new drug, given orally with better compliance and with 50 per cent efficacy, in 2019 – Fingolimod.”
Multiple sclerosis is a potentially disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord, in which the immune system attacks the protective layer covering nerve fibers.
There is no cure, however treatments can help manage symptoms.
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