The Saskatchewan government has announced it plans to fund human trials of a controversial procedure being called the "liberation treatment" for multiple sclerosis. Manitoba, however, said more feedback from medical experts is needed before it follows its neighbour's lead.
Duncan Thornton is living with MS.
"I felt…tired all the time. My main job around the house was supervising the couch," said Thornton.
He decided to travel to Poland to get the liberation treatment performed there.
The treatment uses angioplasty to clear malformed or blocked veins that some people believe are responsible for MS symptoms. The procedure was applied to some MS patients by Italian vascular doctor Paolo Zamboni.
Thornton spent about $10,000 to get the treatment in Poland.
"That's the best money (I've) spent in my entire life," said Thornton.
Since the treatment, he said his energy levels are back to normal.
Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall said his government will fund clinical trials for the liberation treatment.
But, Manitoba won't be following Saskatchewan's lead and is waiting for more feedback from medical experts.
"When our medical experts are advising us that they have gathered information that allows us to take that next step in a safe and meaningful way, then that's when we'll do it. And not before," said Theresa Oswald, the province's health minister.
Oswald said Manitoba will support a nationally coordinated approach to research the liberation treatment.
Duncan Thornton questions the wait.
"How much worse do people have to get before we allow this in Manitoba," asked Thornton.
- with a report from CTV's Jon Hendricks
