Dr Sandesh Gulhane's comment on the cancer statistics from Public Health Scotland which show that cancer rates in the most deprived areas are 24% higher than in the least deprived and that deaths from liver cancer have skyrocketed since 2012.
Scottish Conservative shadow health secretary Dr Sandesh Gulhane MSP said: “These shocking statistics confirm the SNP is failing cancer patients across Scotland.
“Despite their boasts about tackling health inequalities, it is patients living in our most deprived communities who are more likely to die as a result of their appalling failures.
“Liver deaths have soared despite SNP ministers claiming that their flagship policy of minimum unit pricing would tackle Scotland’s addiction to alcohol. They should do the right thing and admit that this policy has monumentally failed.
“Scotland is facing a ticking timebomb when it comes to cancer cases on the SNP’s watch, yet Neil Gray has no credible plans to urgently boost screenings in deprived areas or ensure patients can be treated as quickly as possible.
“Cancer rates and deaths will only get worse if the SNP health secretary fails to act now. He needs to back our common-sense plans to get resources to frontline care, instead of being squandered on backroom bureaucracy in the health service.”
