Blood cancer: Free treatment project hits funding snag

Official says crisis intensified after 180 new patients were registered at Hayatabad Medical Complex

PESHAWAR: The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government’s programme to provide free treatment to blood cancer patients has hit a snag as the project has been facing a shortage of funds.

Insiders told The Express Tribune on Sunday, the current crisis emerged after 180 new patients were registered at Hayatabad Medical Complex. The health department then demanded funds worth Rs121 million from the K-P government.

A health department official requesting anonymity told The Express Tribune, “At least Rs8 billion was issued for the programme, while the government released Rs599.861 million for the said purpose.” He added, “Keeping in view the increasing number of patients, the funds are not enough to meet the needs.”

The health department official said, “We have asked the provincial government to release more funds for the programme.”

Meanwhile, focal person of the programme, Professor Dr Abid Jameel, could not be reached for comments despite repeated attempts.

The backdrop

The provincial government launched the programme in 2011 in collaboration with Novartis Pharmaceutical Company, which has been providing over 90% of the assistance.

Since the start of the project upto November 20, 2014, a total of 866 patients were treated.

The second phase of the project was launched on November 20, 2014 by Chief Minister Pervez Khattak who lauded the efforts of the pharmaceutical company for extending support to the programme.

At least 445 patients have been treated since the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf led government took over the programme.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 28^th, 2015.