MANILA, PHILIPPINES — In observance of World Cancer Day 2021, Novartis voluntarily reduced the prices of a broad range of cancer medicines in its Oncology portfolio. World Cancer Day is celebrated on February 4 of every year, with the aim of preventing millions of preventable deaths each year by raising awareness and education about cancer, and pressing governments and individuals across the world to take action against the disease.
“Through the discovery, development and marketing of innovative treatments, Novartis helps prevent and treat diseases, ease suffering and improve quality of life for people worldwide. To celebrate this year’s World Cancer Day, we renew our commitment to bring more of our cancer medicines to more Filipino patients. We fully support the government in strengthening our healthcare system and implementing the Universal Health Care Act and the National Integrated Cancer Control Act,” said Mr. Jugo Tsumura, President and Managing Director, Novartis Healthcare Philippines, Inc.
“To help more Filipino patients gain access to effective cancer treatments, we voluntarily reduced the prices of a broad range of cancer medicines in our Oncology portfolio. These include medicines used in the treatment of breast cancer, kidney cancer, aplastic anemia, leukemia, gastrointestinal tumors, among others. Our various access programs provide an effective and sustainable way of helping Filipino patients gain access to effective cancer treatments,” said Ms. Janet Yap, Oncology General Manager, Novartis Healthcare Philippines, Inc.
Since 2003, Novartis Oncology has always been in the forefront of providing support to patients through its access programs. Around 2000 patients are currently benefiting from the various Novartis support programs, helping individuals and families affected with cancer and other chronic and debilitating diseases. In 2020 alone, the value of Novartis support to patients reached around Php600 million. To help enable a more sustainable environment for cancer care, Novartis undertakes voluntary initiatives that aim to broaden access to its medicines and reach more patients in need of innovative treatments.
“The cost of cancer care imposes a heavy burden on patients and their families. The price reduction and access initiatives of Novartis can help ease this financial burden and enable patients to afford their cancer treatment,” said Dr. Buenaventura C. Ramos, Jr., President, Philippine Society of Medical Oncology (PSMO).
“We laud Novartis for implementing sustainable access programs for cancer care. The medical community is ready to work with government and the pharmaceutical industry in strengthening the health system to accommodate the latest treatments, and to find ways of facilitating access to the most effective cancer medicines,” said Dr. Marilou A. Abiera, President, Philippine Society of Hematology and Blood Transfusion (PSHBT).
