Fiji Cancer Society has raised concern that Aspen Lautoka is now charging newly diagnosed cancer patients for chemotherapy medication.
In a social media post, CEO Belinda Chan said “let that sink in.”
“This isn’t just a policy failure, it’s a slap in the face to every Fijian who believed in Universal Health Coverage,” she said.
“The National Development Plan promised better healthcare. What we’re seeing is abandonment.”
“Cancer patients in the West are being told to purchase or go without.”
Ms Chan questioned “where is the duty of care?
“We have watched dedicated doctors and nurses’ weather the transition from MoHMS to Health Care (Fiji) Pte Ltd, holding the line for their patients.”
“But now, the system is asking the sickest among us to shoulder the cost of survival.”
“This is cruel! This is unjust!! This is not the Fiji we fight for.”
Ms Chan is seeking answers from the Ministry of Health and Government.
“What happened to Universal Health Coverage? What happened to your promises?