POLITICANS from across the political spectrum have welcomed the launch of the Welsh Labour Government’s new £80 million treatment fund, which aims to provide patients with speedier access to new medicines.

The new treatment fund will support the early introduction of innovative, high-cost medicines recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the All-Wales Medicines Strategy Group (AWMSG).

The fund, agreed by the Labour government and Plaid Cymru, will see a total of £12 million released to health boards with immediate effect, with a further £4 million being made available later; the fund will provide additional support of £16 million annually to fund the new structure.

Eluned Morgan, Labour AM for Mid and West Wales, said: “This fund will give patients across Mid and West Wales access to innovative new medicines that support people with life-threatening conditions.

“New medicines and treatments are being developed constantly to treat a huge range of conditions.

"This fund will help residents to access these treatments sooner, helping to remove uncertainties around funding.

“This will make a huge difference to patients and their families."

Ceredigion AM Elin Jones, a long-term campaigner for changes to the system of drug funding, said: “The previous inequitable system led to different decisions on access to drugs in different parts of Wales.

"I have dealt with many constituents who have struggled to access the drug or treatment they needed to prolong their life.

“The budget agreement between Plaid Cymru and the Government for this commitment of £80m over the next four years will make a significant difference.

"The fund will be a step forward in ensuring that treatment for life-limiting and life-threatening diseases are immediately and consistently available across Wales, and will put an end to the postcode lottery that some patients have experienced.”