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NDP, Isaac Foundation call for expedited coverage for rare disease case, creation of promised strategy

SASKATOON - Today, Official Opposition Health Critic Vicki Mowat was joined by the family of Morgan Buyaki and the Isaac Foundation to call on the provincial government to expedite coverage of Morgan’s potentially life-saving NUCALA medication and to create the promised provincial rare disease strategy. 

“Morgan’s condition is extremely rare and the government should cover the cost of her medication given it is an eligible benefit under Exception Drug Status and could save her life,” said Mowat. “Without government support, this potentially life-saving treatment could cost the family upwards of $9,000 each month. And without it, Morgan’s survival rate is about 25%. With treatment, it's 90%. The Sask. Party needs to do the right thing and help this family today.”

Morgan Buyaki is a 23-year-old woman from Nipawin who was recently diagnosed with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). She struggles to breathe, frequently vomits and has issues with her liver, kidneys and heart. The government says it will only cover 100 mg of her NUCALA medication despite her required 300 mg monthly dosage. NUCALA is approved for use in Canada for this specific condition and could prove life-altering for Morgan.

“The last time I was in Saskatchewan advocating for the needs of rare disease patients, I received assurances a rare-disease policy would be implemented to ensure no patient would have to seek help from the media as opposed to their health care system,” said Andrew McFadyen, Executive Director of the Isaac Foundation. “I’m saddened that Morgan hasn’t benefited from the proposed new framework and that she’s had to plead publicly for access to a medication that could dramatically change her life.”

The Official Opposition, the Buyaki family and the Isaac Foundation call on the province to cover Morgan's medication and establish a rare disease strategy.

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