Kathmandu, 17 February: Minister for Health and Population Pradeep Poudel has thanked donors for the medicines Nepal received to support free treatment of childhood cancer.
The first batch of medicines used in the treatment of childhood cancer has been received under the Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines, established at the initiative of the World Health Organization and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The organization has informed that more medicines will be made available gradually.
Minister Poudel recalled that the ministry has made arrangements for free treatment of childhood cancer effective from Mangsir 1st so that no child should be deprived of cancer treatment due to financial constraints, and expressed confidence that the support received will be important in controlling the mortality rate due to childhood cancer.
“To control cancer, which is becoming a major health problem in the country, we are working to promote preventive methods along with treatment by adopting a national cancer control strategy,” Minister Poudel said in the message. “We have made arrangements for free treatment so that no child is deprived of cancer treatment due to financial constraints.”
Minister Poudel said that work is underway to expand cancer treatment to all provinces and that there is a plan to gradually improve it. The received medicine will be used for the treatment of childhood cancer at Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital, Kanti Children’s Hospital, Patan Institute of Health Sciences and Bharatpur Cancer Hospital, said Ministry spokesperson Dr. Prakash Budhathoki.
“These medicines will play an important role in the ministry’s decision to provide free treatment for childhood cancer,” he said. “Free treatment for childhood cancer is an important decision in the minister’s decision to work effectively in cancer control.”
