RESEARCH into multiple sclerosis in Australia has been given a funding boost - but a Kings Meadows man says the money is being pointed in the wrong direction.
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On Tuesday, Health Minister Tanya Plibersek announced a $1 million investment for Multiple Sclerosis Research Australia for research and treatment into the debilitating disease.
But Launceston policeman and father of three Michael Mitchell, who has been "MS free" for more than two years, says funding is being put in the wrong basket.
Mr Mitchell underwent an innovative stem cell transplant procedure, which involved doses of chemotherapy, and harvesting and then re-inserting the body's stem cells.
He said it was frustrating to see money being thrown into treatments such as vitamin D.
"I had scans six weeks ago and there's [no MS] active in my brain and the lesions I've got are getting smaller," he said.
"They've been doing this treatment for 10 to 15 years around the world and 85per cent of people don't relapse."
Despite the harsh nature of the transplant, Mr Mitchell said he would do it again in a heartbeat.
"I have no doubt that if this treatment were available to people in Australia - without them having to travel overseas - they would take it."
In November 2010 Mr Mitchell had the transplant at the Canberra Hospital at the hands of Dr Colin Andrews, who was one of two neurologists in the country performing the procedure.
