Orkambi

Part of 2. Questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Services – in the Senedd at 2:38 pm on 17 October 2018.

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Photo of Bethan Sayed Bethan Sayed Plaid Cymru 2:38, 17 October 2018

I think if it's the case that people are not informed, then that's why people are raising it here, so that they can get information from you as Cabinet Secretary, and I think that that would be something that we should be mindful of here. I understand, from speaking with Vertex, that there was some frustration in dealing with all-Wales medical procurement, which resulted in significant delays in this process. Perhaps it was an isolated incident—and I hope it was—but it's something that should be looked into in relation to this particular case. Could I ask you whether there are any plans to amend processes to permit the assessment of a portfolio of medicines, showing the flexibility needed for these types of medicines for rare diseases? Now, we've been here before with Kalydeco, and had a change of mind from the Minister at the time. A portfolio of types of medicines for rare diseases would be something that would be welcomed for you to look at, at least, and I'm sure not only Vertex would welcome that, but us as directly elected representatives also.