AT a recent event in the Scottish Parliament, James Kelly MSP has pledged to support hepatitis C patients in Rutherglen and Cambuslang and throughout Scotland.
James met patients from The Hepatitis C Trust and signed the charity's 2011 election pledge in support of Scottish hepatitis C patients.
Hepatitis C, which effects an estimated 50,000 people in Scotland, is a blood-borne virus that can cause cirrhosis and liver cancer. It is often called the 'silent killer' because it can have no symptoms for many years.
Mr Kelly said: “The Scottish hepatitis C Action Plan has been cited across the world as an example of best national practice in addressing this virus. If we continue this excellent work we could virtually eradicate hepatitis C in Scotland in the next generation.”
The Hepatitis C Trust's Scottish Officer, Petra Wright, said: “Fantastic Cross-Party work has led to led to the implementation of an Action Plan designed to increase diagnose and treat more patients and to improve care and support.
“As a direct result, real improvements for hepatitis C patients are being made – more people are being diagnosed and more patients are receiving potentially life-saving treatment and support.
