Conservatives call for the release of Megrahi's full medical records and on-going assessments

Published on Friday 19 August 2011 15:49

OPPOSITION politicians have called for the release of Megrahi's full medical records after a cancer specialist claimed the bomber's release was based on flawed medical advice.

Professor Robert Kirby, of the Prostate Centre in London, said that medics were "not aware" of new medical breakthroughs.

"They said he was incurable, write him off, he's only got three months to live," said Prof Kirby. "That was their genuine belief, the doctors who advised (Justice Secretary] Kenny MacAskill and the Scottish Government.

"Unfortunately I don't think they were aware of these new treatments - such as abiraterone, which is transforming the prospects for patients with advanced prostate cancer. They just are living longer and longer."

He added: "He has long outlived the speculative three-month prognosis. I strongly suspect that this drug has been central to that."

John Lamont, justice spokesman for the Scottish Conservatives, said: "Alex Salmond's government claims that all the evidence has been published. But the Medical Officer's report to Mr MacAskill says 'we attach relevant medical reports'. Where are these reports? Where is the expert advice? Or is it the case, as the Medical Officer claims, that no expert is willing to give a prognosis of three months?

"Megrahi is supposed to be regularly monitored in Libya. The Scottish Government must ensure full details are published, including backdated reports and all on-going medical assessments."