Health authorities say the Isle of Man cannot afford to approve the use of drugs listed on the Cancer Drugs Fund (CDF).

In England, the CDF provides an additional ?200million each year to enable patients to access drugs that are not routinely funded by the NHS.

Responding to a question in the House of Keys this week, Health Minister Howard Quayle said if the island were to approve the use of CDF drugs it would cost ?350,000 per year.

He added: 'The department believes there are other priorities for the DHSC to spend this amount of new money at the present time such as tier 1 mental health services and more community services for older people with chronic long term conditions.'

He said funding had been provided for two local patients to receive CDF listed drugs because they were 'exceptional clinical cases'.

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