The Cancer Warriors Foundation, Inc. is intensifying its efforts to raise awareness about the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA) in Eastern Visayas, aiming to inform patients and their families about their rights to free cancer treatments.
Armen Auste, the foundation’s chief executive officer, highlighted the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration in their campaign.
"Multi-sectoral partnership and collaboration are essential. We are trying to engage private hospitals so they will accept guarantee letters from the government. This way, patients can go to private hospitals for diagnosis and treatment, supported by the government," Auste said.
Summits held in the region bring together stakeholders from national government agencies, private and public hospitals, non-government organizations, academia, and civic society organizations to devise strategies to support cancer patients.
Establishing Access Sites for Free Treatments
One of the significant strides discussed by Auste is the establishment of an access site in Eastern Visayas. This initiative encourages the signing of memorandum of agreement with private hospitals, enabling patients to receive free cancer treatments provided by the government. This development is expected to significantly reduce the burden on patients and their families, providing them with more options for care.
Landmark Legislation for Cancer Control
Years of dedicated efforts by health advocates culminated in the passage of the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA). Signed into law in February 2019 by President Rodrigo Duterte, Republic Act No. 11215 aims to provide quality and affordable cancer health services and alleviate the financial burden on those diagnosed with cancer and their families.
Key provisions under NICCA include the creation of the Philippine Cancer Center, the establishment of a Cancer Assistance Fund, and the formation of the National Integrated Cancer Control Council, which is responsible for policy-making, planning, and coordinating cancer control efforts nationwide.
