Support for Amyloidosis campaign group

Inishowen Cathaoirleach Albert Doherty raised the matter at this week’s Inishowen Municipal District meeting and told how the condition is ‘known as Donegal Amy’ due to its origins in the county. He outlined how the south is one of the only countries in the EU not to fund access to a life-saving drug called Patisiran.

A number of people in Inishowen have been diagnosed with and passed away from Amyloidosis in recent years and the campaign group includes people from the peninsula.

Last week, Rosaline Callaghan told the Journal how she can access and is receiving the treatment in Derry, but those in Donegal and elsewhere in the south cannot.

Colr Doherty highlighted how the late Sinn Fein politician Martin McGuinness passed away due to Amyloidosis. He proposed that councillors write to the HSE ‘to alert them to Donegal Amy’s effects on Donegal families, the hereditary nature of the disease and ask for the provision of Patisiran in the State for families.”

Sinn Fein Colr Terry Crossan seconded the proposal and said he had been in contact with some of the families in relation to this ‘very serious issue.’

Fianna Fail counillor Paul Canning said Minister Charlie McConalogue has been highlighting the issue and party members will also meet with the committee today, Friday.