Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford The Spreadsheet of Life and Death
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Jun 26, 2020 Explore the heartbreaking struggle of Clive, a cancer patient denied a life-saving drug due to its cost. Delve into the troubling intersection of economics and healthcare, questioning how we value human life. Hear about the ethical dilemmas of resource allocation in healthcare, especially regarding life extension treatments. Discover the financial vs. moral challenges faced by policymakers when making funding decisions for cancer drugs. Throughout it all, personal stories illustrate the profound impact of these tough choices.
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Clive Stone's Diagnosis and Campaign
- Clive Stone, a retired bank manager, was diagnosed with kidney cancer.
- The NHS refused to cover the expensive drug Sunitinib, prompting him to start a campaign.
Healthcare Rationing
- Healthcare decisions often involve balancing cost and patient need.
- The UK's NHS uses NICE to determine cost-effectiveness of treatments.
Cancer Drugs Fund Pledge
- David Cameron used Clive Stone's case in his election campaign.
- He promised a special fund for cancer drugs, highlighting the political aspect of healthcare.