John Thwaites
Victorian Minister for Human Services
Collins Street, Melbourne. Fax 9616 8356

Dear Ministers,

Grievous Shortage of Intragam

It is understood a planning meeting of Commonwealth and State representatives is scheduled next week to discuss the grievous shortage of Intragam (CSL trade name for Intravenous Gammaglobulin – IVIG).

The Inflammatory Neuropathy Support Group of Victoria Inc, (The IN Group) is deeply concerned about the continuing shortage of this vital product. It is the Category 1 prescribed treatment for members of The In Group, as diagnosed for either GBS (Guillain-Barré Syndrome) or CIDP (Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy). Most members are only receiving some 75% of the medically prescribed amount. This results in deteriorated condition of their disorder. This creates an increased demand on medical and hospital attention - in some cases, the need for wheelchair for those no longer able to walk. .

Over two years ago the Working Party set up by AHMAC (Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council) into the Use and Supply of IVIG made its recommendations. Most were accepted by AHMAC, including two important ones, particularly to The In Group – raising GBS and CIDP to Category 1 and funding for a reserve of IVIG to cover unforeseen circumstances.

Unfortunately a third, most important, recommendation was not accepted. This was for the Commonwealth and State Government to provide the extra $14 million needed to overcome the shortage in the supply of Intragam. This shortage continues and worsens, due to increasing demand, notwithstanding there has been some increase in the supply of Intragam, mainly from a 10% efficiency increase by CSL in its production.

The IN Group now asks again that the Commonwealth and State Government accept the need for at least a $14million grant to increase the supply of Intragam to meet the proven medical needs as originally recommended by AHMAC’s Working Party.

Yours, most beseechingly,
James Gerrand,
Director.

Copies:

Dr Patrick Coghlan, Director, Australian Red Cross Blood Service, fax 9686 1768
Mr Paul Bordonaro, Manager, CSL Bioplasma fax 9246 5298
Prof Geoffrey Donnan, President, Australian Association of Neurologists fax 02 9241 4083