The Minister for Health Simon Harris said today that he expects the HSE to consider in the coming days approval of the cancer drugs Nivolumab and Pembrolizumab.
"I want the assessment process progressed urgently. Both of these drugs have been considered by the National Council for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE) as part of the assessment process, and I understand that they are scheduled to be further considered by the HSE in the course of this week.
"I have been in contact with the HSE throughout the weekend and have emphasised the need for the assessment process to be completed as quickly as possible.
"My absolute priority is the care of the patients and I have asked the HSE to report back to me on this matter as early as possible this week," Mr Harris said.
On Friday, the HSE said it was assessing the cost of providing the two cancer drugs.
Oncologists have said the drugs have had remarkable success in treating some cancers.
The drugs have been provided to around 100 cancer patients free of charge over the past year on what is known as a compassionate basis, while its manufacturer waits to hear if it has been approved for use by the HSE.
