Fife’s health chiefs have been urged to explain why they have refused to fund pioneering treatment for a local cancer patient.
Independent councillor and health campaigner Andrew Rodger revealed that he has written to NHS Fife chairman Professor Jim McGoldrick asking him to outline the reasons for denying Tarek Ramzi the £22,000 he needs to treat a complex tumour in his lung.
The Methil man, who may have just months to live, asked Mr Rodger to intervene on his behalf after his appeal against the decision was also turned down. He is also angry that he was not allowed to attend the appeal hearing to plead his case.
As we reported earlier this week, Mr Ramzi (56) has already been successfully treated for five brain tumours but radiation and chemotherapy failed to eradicate the cancer in his lung.
A consultant referred him to a hospital in England which uses painless, non-invasive CyberKnife technology to treat tumours like Mr Ramzi’s and he was assessed as a suitable candidate although he was told NHS Fife would have to fund the treatment.
Despite undergoing an operation to reduce the cost from £44,000, Fife’s health bosses said there was not enough evidence to suggest CyberKnife was an effective treatment.
In his letter to Mr McGoldrick, Mr Rodger said he found that explanation hard to believe, given the treatment was recognised south of the border. The councillor also criticised the fact that Mr Ramzi had had to wait two months for the results of his appeal.’Beggars belief'”I believe that Tarek should be given the help and the opportunity to eradicate the tumour that lies within his lung,” he said. “I also believe that the delay in not letting Tarek know of your decision until February of this year beggars belief.
“It is stated in his letter that one panel member did not receive his papers due to postal problems over the Christmas and New Year period and that delayed matters. Why was email not used or a personal courier? Time is of the essence in this case.
“I hope you, as the chairman of Fife NHS, will investigate this matter urgently and reconsider your decision as Tarek may only have months to live. This is not just about Tarek but also about recognising there may be other cancer sufferers who could benefit from the same kind of treatment.”
Members of the community have rallied round Mr Ramzi and have launched a fund-raising drive in a bid to raise the £22,000 needed for his treatment.