Parents of young patients suffering from epilepsy are being compelled to spend substantial amounts annually on medicinal cannabis.
Although, modifications were made to the legislation in 2018 in the UK, permitting doctors to officially prescribe it.
This amendment was initially perceived as a significant preservation, but according to Ronnie Cowan MP, it has turned out to be a complete ‘catastrophe’ since a minuscule proportion of eligible recipients are given the medicine.
This has resultant in a grim situation where individuals like Karen Gray are compelled to disburse approximately £60,000 to enhance the life quality of her son, Murray, in Glasgow.
Murray’s condition has shown significant improvement, transforming from hundreds of convulsions occurring per day to absolute zero for the last few years, thanks to the treatment.
However, it is highly unreasonable for parents like Karen to bear the burden of a ‘second mortgage’ when this medicine is supposedly within the realms of prescription.
It is essential that we transition towards a point where children requiring these life-altering drugs are given easy access.
If the major obstruction stems from the financial aspects then required allocations must be sought after.
If the primary aversion lies with the doctors then necessary training and awareness programs should be conducted to ensure that our healthcare professionals are confident and proficient in prescribing the treatment.
Cannabis oil has brought about a drastic positive change in the lives of children like Murray, especially in Glasgow.
Despite it being legal to prescribe, lack of accessibility signifies an underlying problem.
It is high time that medical practitioners and politicians join forces to ensure that patients are receiving the necessary treatment they are entitled to.
