Senator Joel Villanueva on Thursday lauded Senate’s ratification of the bicameral committee report on the National Integrated Cancer Control Act, saying it would allow affordable cancer treatment in the country.
“Pirma na lamang po ng Pangulo at maisasabatas na natin ang ating panukala na magbibigay ng sapat na pondo at kalidad na pagpapagamot para sa ating mga kababayan na dumaranas ng cancer,” Villanueva said in a statement.
(With the signature of the President, we can now pass into law the bill that gives the right amount of funds and quality for the medical treatment of our countrymen suffering from cancer.)
Earlier, the Senate approved the bicameral report that would establish the National Integrated Cancer Control Program which aims to prevent deaths and recurrence from cancer by providing “affordable and accessible” medical treatment.
The measure still needs to be ratified by both chambers of the Congress before submitting to President Rodrigo Duterte for signature.
READ: Senate ratifies bicam report on cancer control bill
The senator also noted that the immediate passage of the law was needed to allow quality and affordable health care for all Filipinos suffering from the disease.
“We hope that the immediate passage into law of this important measure will ensure quality health care for all Filipino children and adults with cancer by increasing investments for the prevention, early and accurate detection, and optimal treatment for all forms of cancer,” Villanueva said.
The senator also said seven out of 10 Filipino cancer patients ended their medical treatment for cancer due to financial problems.
According to the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society, the Philippines has the highest prevalence of breast cancer among 197 countries.
The Cancer Coalition of the Philippines reported that around 3,900 children were diagnosed as having cancer every year and that the average survival rate of children diagnosed to have cancer was at 30 percent.