CANCER patients are sometimes prescribed medicines that are not available, according to Fiji Cancer Society chief executive officer Belinda Chan.
“At times, essential medicines are not available on the drug list, or they prescribe drugs that are not available on it,” she said.
Ms Chan said they had to step in to assist patients in covering the costs of medicines and other basic needs.
“In the last four years, we have spent over $675,000 directly on patient support services, including transportation to treatment and easing the burden of medication costs.”
She said the organisation also provides diapers, food, and emotional support to families who are struggling to care for their loved ones.
“We have also spent close to $260,000 on diagnostic tests, chemotherapy drugs, and helping to clear surgical backlogs in Suva.”
Despite these challenges, she said the society’s outreach team continues to travel across Fiji to spread awareness and offer screening services.
“Our outreach team has journeyed more than 200,000 kilometres over the last four years, conducting 281 cancer awareness programs and screenings across the country.
“From the busy streets of Suva to the remote villages of Nadrau, Nadarivatu, and even Rotuma, the team has reached over 13,200 people, including 2629 women who received breast cancer examinations.”
Of these, she said, 118 women with abnormal results were referred for further tests and treatment.
“Each referral represents a person, a mother, a sister, a daughter, or a friend who now has a fighting chance because awareness leads to screening, and screening leads to hope.
She said early detection was still the most powerful tool against cancer.
Health Minister Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu said only medicines that are in the essential list are available at government pharmacies.
He said if prescribed medicines were not available in the government pharmacy, then the patient has the option to buy or if it’s brought to their attention, they can also facilitate.
Cancer society foots bill for patients in North
WHILE the much-needed CT scanner at Labasa Hospital has sat idle for more than two years, cancer patients in the North have found a lifeline in the Fiji Cancer Society.
CEO Belinda Chan, said the organisation has been footing the bill for cancer patients at other facilities.
“We have been providing CT scan tests for cancer patients who require assistance,” she said.
The machine, which is needed by patients for diagnosis and early detection, has yet to be powered up because the hospital is still waiting for funds to complete its power connection.
“We understand the cost, and as much as we would like to do all, we can only afford $2000 per month.”
However, Ms Chan said there were also concerns over surgical delays in Suva.
“In Suva, there are nine surgical theatres, but only three or four are in operation.”
Health Minister Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu admitted there were delays in surgeries due to the number of operating theatres.
“The ministry is close to finishing the four operating theatres,” he said.
Dr Lalabalavu said as a temporary measure, surgeries were outsourced to the private sector to ensure patients continue to be treated, especially cancer patients.
Meanwhile, Ms Chan urged women between the ages of 30 and 59 in the North to take advantage of the free Human Papillomavirus (HPV) self-swabbing cervical cancer screening program.
“The results come out within an hour, and those who are found to have the virus will receive immediate treatment. If further referral is needed, the medical staff will facilitate it.”
She said the self-swab exercise was much friendlier and quicker than the pap smear test, which detects the virus that increases a woman’s risk of developing cervical cancer.
Telecom Fiji, Labasa branch communication officer Sadie Underwood (right) with other staff members during the Pinktober morning tea.
