Herceptin
The country was already shocked by the utility tariffs and there was some hope that the orange book would contain some respite. Again there were some proposals regurgitated from our policy documents which means, that they were good indeed in spite of all PN’s criticism. The rest was doom and gloom apart from another couple of initiatives which were much needed.
Finally, we have government commitment on Herceptin. For years and years the opposition spoke about the need of Herceptin to cure cancer.
For years and years, Government ignored the pleas not only from the opposition but also from those who need it to live. There it was in the orange book at last.
Then we watch Minister Fenech on TX on One TV saying that people want this and that and amongst the listed things he mentions Herceptin and the breast screening programme. Frankly I did not like his tone and context. Herceptin and breast screening programme are no joke or fancy – but life savers. Government is obliged to help saving lives and by providing Herceptin and launching the programme he is doing nobody a favour. It is government’s obligation to do so and it was high time that at these two were actuated.
In any case let us hope that Government’s commitment is not curtailed by the usual hiccups. We all know about medicine shortages in Government hospitals. We cannot afford this to happen with Herceptin because lives would be at stake.
However, I cannot but express my satisfaction that now cancer patients have a ray of light especially those who cannot afford to buy this medicine. I also thank all lobby groups for their incessant pressure on Government and their sterling work with cancer patients.
