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Dear Member of Parliament,

Desperate Shortage of Intragam (Gammaglobulin)

Federal and State Governments urgently need to increase their funding to the Australian Red Cross Blood Service so that sufficient Intragam is available for patients who rely on this special serum. Many face physical deterioration to the point of needing 24 hour care.

"Intragam" is the trade name for gammaglobulin produced by CSL Ltd for the Australian Red Cross Blood Service. It is made from blood plasma donated by volunteers to the Blood Service. Federal and State Governments and public donations provide funds to the Australian Red Cross to pay for the cost of its collection and its production by CSL Ltd. Included in these collection costs are media publicity to attract the needed volunteers and the provision of special medical equipment and staff by the Red Cross.

"Intragam" has been found to be a beneficial treatment for an increasing number of medical diseases and disorders such that demand now exceeds its supply. In recognition of this shortage the Australian Health Ministers Advisory Council (AHMAC) set up a Working Party for a "National Review of the Use and Supply of Intravenous Immunoglobulins". This Working Party is due to reach its conclusions by the end of March 1999 and it is evident that the major need is more funding to meet the increased need. CSL Ltd has ample production capability to supply more "Intragam" if given more blood plasma..

People with GBS (Guillain-Barre Syndrome) and CIDP (Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy) are particularly affected by this severe shortage. The IN Group is the Victorian group that provides support to these sufferers. Many are being helped to recover or kept in stable condition through the Intravenous Immunoglobulin.

In May 1997 Dr Wooldridge, Federal Minister of Health, asked that one of our members be assured that concerns about the shortage of "Intragam" would be brought to the attention of the Red Cross and CSL so that they, together with the Commonwealth, could ensure appropriate supplies are available to people with GBS and CIDP. 15 months later the shortages have become even more acute.

Dear Member of Parliament, I now implore you to urgently approach your appropriate Federal and/or State Ministers, to immediately provide the funding needed to overcome the present desperate shortage of "Intragam".

Your constituent,