PLANS to make a cystic fibrosis drug available to patients in Wales have been welcomed.
Health Minister Mark Drakeford went against recommendations not to approve the drug — Kalydeco — for use in Wales because of its cost last week.
Darren Millar AM, Shadow Minister for Health, has welcomed the news.
He said: "This is a very welcome decision from the Welsh Government. I congratulate everyone who campaigned for the drug to be made available."
Lib Dem AM for South Wales West Peter Black added: "I am pleased that common sense has prevailed in this case and that the minister is also tasking the Chief Pharmaceutical Officer to set up a review of the appraisal process to deal with these new, innovative medicines for rare diseases."
The Cystic Fibrosis Trust had said the 13 affected patients feared they were going to be left with a second class health service if the drug was not approved because of the estimated £180,000 a year cost to each patient.
The genetic disorder damages the lungs and digestive system.