Nice put under spotlight following continual criticisms

Following recent criticisms with regard to its medicinal treatment decisions, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice) is to be investigated by the health select committee.

One of the most controversial issues Nice faced last year was its declaration that Reminyl, Aricept, Exelon were not cost effective treatments for Alzheimer's disease. The fact that the drugs would only cost £2.50 per day for each patient led to a public uproar.

Chief executive of the Alzheimer's Society, Neil Hunt, said that the inquiry was long overdue and that the Alzheimer's Society would be offering advice and evidence to the health select committee to aid its inquiries.

"Nice's appraisal process grossly disadvantages people with certain conditions. Its assessment of drugs for people with Alzheimer's disease has been fatally flawed from start to finish, with devastating results for the 100,000 people who will develop dementia this year alone," said Mr Hunt.

"The system also ignores the benefits these treatments offer legions of unpaid carers and the millions of pounds they save the country every year."

Mr Hunt also highlighted the fact that there is no independent appeals process to Nice's appraisal system, which had forced organisations like the Alzheimer's Society to go to the high court and challenge the "cruel and unethical decision" to limit access to treatments.

"We fully recognise the important role Nice plays within the healthcare system in the UK. Hopefully this review will highlight the changes that Nice should make to ensure people get the treatments they need and deserve," Mr Hunt concluded.

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