I am a physician specialist who works in the field of medicine which provides rehabilitation and optimizes function for MS patients. I also
have family members who suffer from MS.

Yes, a family member traveled abroad to receive the controversial treatment against my advice and not surprising, absolutely without
benefit. Yes, this individual “had hope.”

Well, Premier Alward, I can take you on tour of any health-care facility in this province and you can meet individuals who have hope of
“cure” from their disease.

If Premier Alward has an acquaintance that has demonstrated benefit and is basing his decision on funding on personal “experience,” then we
are in deep trouble in this province, a province on the verge of

bankruptcy. Furthermore, I would welcome any opportunity to have an

educated discussion with Premier Alward on what the functional outcomes

really have been for MS patients who have undergone the treatment.

Premier Alward, are you aware of the hoops that I and allied health professionals, such as occupational therapists and physiotherapists,
have to jump through to obtain funding for individuals to receive

assistance for equipment? For example, specialized power wheelchairs to

prevent skin ulcers and infection, so that individuals can remain in the

community rather than live in hospital or nursing homes. There are many

places half a million dollars could be used to assist patients with MS.

Just ask!

This topic is extraordinarily emotional for patients, their families and care givers. It is equally emotional for me and all the health
professionals who work in the field and have to face these patients

every day. They are selling their houses, cashing in their retirement

and insurance policies to make this journey.

Premier Alward, have you stopped to ask yourself the question: “Why does it cost $15,000 to $20,000 in countries with much less financial
stability than Canada?”

I will tell you why: it is a cash grab.

Again, ask the question why such a procedure in Canada would cost between $3,000 and $5,000? Luckily Canada and the “majority” of its
provinces fund medical procedures that have been scientifically proven

and safe.

To my knowledge, this government has not consulted with one medical expert in this province to discuss the issue. It is absolutely
astounding that Premier Alward would disregard the knowledge and advice

of a world renowned neurologist and medical researcher, Dr. Jock Murray,

from Dalhousie Medical School.

Premier Alward, by providing funds for the “Liberation Treatment” you are actively condoning facilities in other countries to cheat patients
and the taxpayers of this province.

When a new treatment, and hopefully a cure, for MS is realized, I will be the first one to be pounding on the doors of provincial and
federal departments of health to provide funding. Until such time, I

implore you to do the right thing and be honest with MS sufferers and

listen to the medical and scientific community, who have the education

and knowledge on the topic.

Admit you were wrong and proceed with due diligence.

Dr. Patti Forgeron
Commentary

Dr. Patti Forgeron, BSc, MSc, MD, FRCPC, works in physical medicine and rehabilitation.

http://telegraphjournal.canadaeast.com/opinion/article/1343921