The dilemma facing patients suffering from the asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma deserves a higher profile in the current election. Through the public petitions committee, asbestos campaigners called on the Scottish Executive to ensure current prescribing arrangements for patients, under which the drug Alimta (a type of chemotherapy) is made available, continues in Scotland. Alimta can extend and improve the quality of life of mesothelioma patients. There is a responsibility to provide adequate medication for people who suffer from this disease, especially in view of the terrible pain many endure.

This is the only drug licensed to treat this rare form of cancer, which is terminal in all cases. Alimta has been available in Scotland since July 2005, based on the advice of the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC). However, resulting from a decision taken by an English healthcare bureaucracy, this arrangement will end. Asbestos campaigners accept it is not appropriate to prescribe this treatment in all cases of mesothelioma and it is not a cure. However, access to the drug will be denied to suitable future patients on purely economic grounds.

Mesothelioma is an occupational cancer. Many employers were negligent in protecting workers from exposure to asbestos dust. The decision of the SMC to make Alimta available on the NHS remains in the best interests of asbestos sufferers. To deny access to the drug is inhumane. Asbestos support groups, trades unions and many MSPs agree that this treatment should remain freely available to patients in Scotland.

To block access to Alimta for mesothelioma sufferers is a severe injustice. The withdrawal of this treatment introduces a democratic deficit. Health is the responsibility of Holyrood; any determination should be made in Scotland by members elected to, or officials directed by, the Scottish Parliament. Without delay the Scottish Executive must reassure mesothelioma patients and their families that Alimta will remain free and available in Scotland.

Professor Andrew Watterson, head of occupational and environmental health, Stirling University; Tommy Gorman, 17 Crosbie Street, Glasgow.