Re: “Woman fighting for her life needs our help,” comment,” Sept. 28.
I am writing in support of James Anglin’s commentary. I am a friend and classmate of Lilia Zaharieva, and as an NDP voter I am deeply dismayed by Health Minister Adrian Dix’s inaction.
The powerful response that Lilia and Cystic Fibrosis Canada’s online campaign has generated is astounding. On the second day of this movement, Dix knew her case by name and has still neglected to fight for her rights as a Canadian to life-saving medical care.
Dix defaulted to the manufacturer and said Vertex Pharmaceuticals must take responsibility. Since when do we leave our citizens’ lives in the hands of capitalist corporations?
Vertex’s market value is $32 billion. Vertex stands to generate $1.87 billion to $2.1 billion in total revenue for its lineup of CF medications, according to Investor’s Business Daily.
It has denied Lilia’s appeals for compassionate care twice, despite the fact that she meets its requirements by having under 40 per cent lung function. Clearly, Vertex is not going to help; therefore it is up to our minister of health to negotiate with Vertex and make Orkambi accessible for people surviving with CF in B.C.
I voted for the NDP because of its resounding rejection of capitalist greed, and the province’s failure to act during my friend’s crisis is deeply disappointing.
Lexie Harrison
Victoria
