Affordable cancer treatment pushed

CEBU, Philippines — Affordable treatment for breast cancer will soon be available to the most vulnerable sectors of society.

Yesterday, the Department of Health (DOH) conducted a public consultation of the Cancer Control Program for the Visayas Region.

Discussed during the consultation was the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of RA 11215 or the National Integrated Cancer Control Act.

The law provides that the establishment of cancer assistance fund to support cancer patients in their medicine and treatment need.

The fund may be in the form of donations, solicitations, taxes and fund raising activities.

The National Integrated Cancer Control Council will help ensure judicious and best use of available resources for the benefit of the elderly, women and children, the poor, marginalized and the disadvantaged.

According to DOH Assistant Secretary Dr. Maria Rosario Vergeire, they prioritize the medication and diagnostic of the patients.  The law does not provide for the procurement of equipment and its maintenance.

The affordable treatment for breast cancer will be available in Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center, Philippines General Hospital, East Avenue Medical Center, Amang Rodriguez Medical Center, Rizal Medical Center, Bicol Regional Teaching and Training and Davao Regional Medical Hospital.

These hospitals were chosen based on the competence of doctors and specialists, comprehensiveness of the hospital services and commitment of the hospital to help DOH and government hospitals.

Once implemented, the sites may be expanded to include Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) in Cebu. — Ma. Mae Labora, CNU Intern MBG (FREEMAN)