PRESS RELEASE

7 March 2003

OTTAWAY CALLS ON GOVERNMENT TO MAKE ARTHRITIS A HEALTH PRIORITY

Richard Ottaway, Conservative Member of Parliament for Croydon South, has added his support to a Parliamentary motion calling on the Government to improve access to services and treatments for people with arthritis.

Richard Ottaway says:-

"Sadly there is no cure for arthritis. Therefore it is vital that people have access to appropriate treatments. Regrettably a lack of Government funding is preventing this."

"I receive many letters from constituents about the varied availability of drugs for arthritis sufferers. This "postcode prescribing", for new drugs which have been recommended by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence, is unacceptable. These treatments should be available for all who need them."

"Under the circumstances I have added my name to a Parliamentary motion calling on the Government to make arthritis a health priority."

Ends.

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