2023-12-15 15:45:59
Regarding “Salzburg Today” from December 14, 2023: Should the use of high-priced cancer therapies be decided by an Austria-wide committee? A clear no comes from Univ.-Prof. Dr. Richard Greil, Head of Oncology at the Salzburg University Hospital, and State Councilor Mag. Daniela Gutschi. Both are clearly in favor of the current model, in which the treating doctor determines the medication. But does this help patients? An analysis of a relative of a person affected.
Dr. Greil speaks of a loss of life for cancer patients and calls for the draft law to be revised. In my opinion, patients can only benefit from the expertise of an assessing committee. From our own experience we can report that cancer treatments can have serious side effects, ranging from nerve diseases to complete loss of mobility. So according to Dr. Greil not a loss of life, but a loss of the value of life.
Greil also mentions that patients are often given a medication three to four years before it is approved. This is completely unacceptable and weakens any credibility of a medical professional. As a person with cancer, you trust the doctors treating you and expect them to work honestly and sincerely. Because if this administration is not agreed upon in advance, patients have to accept long-term damage caused by undertested medications. But you live significantly longer if the chief oncologist at the university hospital has his way.
Finally, I would like to appeal to doctors and our political decision-makers. I think the introduction of an Austria-wide committee is a right step, but I have to thank Dr. Greil and State Councilor Gutschi agree that treating doctors must have a say in this process. It is also essential that the treating physicians provide comprehensive information about treatment methods (this also includes unapproved medications). I wish all oncology patients all the best in their fight against cancer and safe and successful therapy.
Manuel Prodinger, 5431 Kuchl
#Austriawide #committee #cancer #therapies #step