Fact Check: B.C. government cuts funding for $1 million drug for terminally ill girl
What We Know
The British Columbia (B.C.) Ministry of Health has decided to discontinue funding for a drug called Brineura, which is used by a nine-year-old girl named Charleigh Pollock who suffers from Batten disease, a rare and terminal neurological disorder. Charleigh's mother, Jori Fales, was informed that her daughter's last government-funded treatment would occur shortly after the announcement. Brineura has been critical in stabilizing Charleigh's condition and significantly enhancing her quality of life since her diagnosis in 2019. The drug's cost is approximately $1 million annually due to the need for bi-monthly infusions (Global News, CTV News).
Health Minister Josie Osborne stated that Charleigh had met the criteria for discontinuation of the drug, emphasizing that there is no cure for her condition and that Brineura is not classified as an anti-seizure medication. Clinical evidence indicated that the drug was no longer providing benefits to Charleigh (Global News, CTV News). The decision followed a review by the province's Expensive Drug For Rare Disease Committee, which concluded that Brineura did not meet the funding criteria in this case (Global News).
Analysis
The claim that the B.C. government has cut funding for a $1 million drug for a terminally ill girl is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The reports from both Global News and CTV News provide consistent details regarding the situation, including the drug's cost, its significance to Charleigh's health, and the government's rationale for discontinuing funding.
The reliability of these sources is high, as they are established news organizations that adhere to journalistic standards. They provide direct quotes from Health Minister Josie Osborne, which lend credibility to the reported facts. The emotional weight of the situation is further highlighted by Charleigh's mother's statements about the catastrophic impact of losing access to the drug, which underscores the human element of this policy decision (Global News, CTV News).
However, it is essential to note that the government has not previously overruled the independent committee's decisions regarding drug funding, which indicates a consistent policy approach. This context is crucial in understanding the limitations and challenges faced by families dealing with rare diseases in accessing necessary treatments (Global News).
Conclusion
The claim that the B.C. government has cut funding for a $1 million drug for a terminally ill girl is True. The decision was made based on the assessment that the drug was no longer providing clinical benefits, despite its significant cost and the profound implications for the patient's quality of life. The situation reflects broader issues regarding healthcare funding for rare diseases and the emotional toll on affected families.
