SOME women cannot afford fares to get treatment at the hospital, according to the Labasa Hospital oncology nursing unit manager Mereoni Korovavala.
In light of this, Ms Korovavala said, cancer patients in the Northern Division are receiving crucial assistance, thanks to a partnership between the Ministry of Health and the Fiji Cancer Society.
“The collaboration have helped many patients access treatment that might otherwise be difficult to afford,” she said.
Speaking during the International Women’s Day mini outreach program at Banisucu in Labasa, she said the Fiji Cancer Society stepped in to support patients in areas where the ministry needed additional assistance.
“For all our cancer patients, the (Fiji ) Cancer Society provides support in areas where the ministry may take time to assist.”
She said the organisation assisted patients with payments for CT scans and transport costs, especially for those travelling from rural villages to attend medical appointments.
“Some patients travel long distances to come to the hospital for check-up or surgical clinics, so the support from the (Fiji) Cancer Society makes a big difference.”
She said the partnership ensured patients received timely care and reduced some of the financial burden faced by families battling cancer.
