Multiple sclerosis is a chronic illness that affects the lives of more than 2.3 million people globally. There is no proven cause and, for now, no known cure. It is a debilitating, progressive and largely misunderstood illness that greatly affects the lives of those who have it.

For those living with MS in Bermuda, accessing local care has been historically a challenge. Medications such as Ocrevus and Tysabri provide a ray of hope. However, until recently, these drugs were not administered on the island, forcing patients to make frequent and costly trips to clinics in the United States. This not only put significant strain on their health, but also their finances. A single overseas infusion is estimated to cost about $85,000.

In response to this challenge, various healthcare providers and stakeholders came together to find a solution. The saying “it takes a village”, comes to mind. Our local care co-ordination team, Thrive Case Management, partnered with our overseas care team, One Team Health. Together, they collaborated with local pharmacies, overseas specialists, local providers and patients to facilitate on-island care.

The resulting initiative, the Specialty Drug Programme, was launched by Argus in 2019. Its aim was not just to bring these expensive medications to Bermuda but also to enhance the quality of care and reduce costs for MS patients. As a result, patients now have the flexibility to undergo initial infusions in hospitals, either local or overseas, and to continue their treatments closer to home. This was especially crucial during the Covid-19 pandemic, enabling MS patients to initiate or maintain their treatments when overseas travel became challenging.

With this combined community effort, we saw the total cost of an infusion case cost drop by about $70,000 in one instance. That brought it down to approximately $15,000 — a far cry from the original $85,000. Beyond financial relief, it has been heart-warming to witness its transformative impact.

One patient expressed: “For the first time since my diagnosis, I feel like I have my life back.”

This is not just about medications or treatments; it’s about the collective. The community’s effort led to a cost reduction, making treatments more accessible. I hope that by sharing this strategy with the community, many more local providers will emulate it.

Arlene Basden, of the Bermuda Medical Specialties Group, provides medical supervision for MS patients in the Specialty Drug Programme, and emphasises early detection and awareness, especially among young women. “We have to have a high rate of suspicion for a young woman presenting with new neurological symptoms,” she urges.

Dr Basden also speaks to the broader need for co-ordinated care, a sentiment echoed by many in the medical community.

An MS patient provided a poignant account of her journey, praising the collective effort: “The new-found accessibility to treatments has significantly improved my quality of life. The supportive community around me, including professionals like Dr Basden, has been invaluable.”

Angela Cotterill, the vice-president of the MS society, is acutely aware of the specific hardships that patients face: “Many newly diagnosed individuals naturally tend to isolate themselves as they come to terms with how this chronic illness may impact their lives, but this is the exact time when networking with others who are living the same life can really provide the critical support needed.

“In Bermuda, our specific challenges are compounded by our climate. For many MS patients here, our heat and humidity act as their kryptonite, intensifying symptoms which can include one or a combination of mobility issues, vision loss, cognitive impairment, pain and fatigue, to name a few.”

She also emphasises the urgent need for specialised, locally based care and calls for more collaboration with insurance companies.

In essence, combating multiple sclerosis, whether in Bermuda or globally, demands a collective spirit. It’s about a community coming together, pooling resources, sharing knowledge and, most importantly, offering support. By doing this, we can make monumental strides in enhancing the lives of all affected by MS.

• Shakira Warner is the vice-president of Population Health Management at Argus. To learn more about multiple sclerosis in Bermuda, visit www.mssociety.bm