MANAGING A NATIONAL CANCER CARE PROGRAM

MANAGING A NATIONAL CANCER CARE PROGRAM The recent announcement that the government has earmarked P3 billion for cancer care and assistance is a step in the right direction. However, several questions arise about how this program will be managed and implemented effectively. Who Will Lead the Implementation? The Department of Health (DOH) is the most likely lead implementing agency, but will it work alone, or will the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) also play a role in mobilizing local government units (LGUs)? Given the scale of the initiative, coordination among various agencies is crucial to ensure effective nationwide implementation. Funding Allocation and Coverage: A critical concern is how the P3 billion budget will be distributed across different types of cancers. Will there be prioritization based on mortality rates, prevalence, or cost of treatment? Additionally, will the program cover outpatient care and medicines, or will funding be limited to hospitalization? Many cancer patients struggle with the high costs of outpatient chemotherapy and medications, and failing to include these aspects could undermine the program’s effectiveness. Interaction with Existing Programs: The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) and PhilHealth already provide some cancer-related financial assistance. Will the new program complement these existing efforts, or will there be potential overlaps and conflicts? Ensuring a streamlined approach is key to maximizing resources and avoiding bureaucratic delays that hinder patient access. International Models and Readiness: Is the new cancer care initiative modeled after successful programs in other countries, such as Australia, the United States, or South Korea? If so, which elements have been adapted for the Philippine healthcare system? Furthermore, was the announcement based on a fully developed implementation plan, or is the government still drafting the necessary rules and regulations? A common issue in healthcare legislation is the delay in finalizing Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRRs), which could stall the program’s rollout. Involvement of Key Stakeholders: Was the Philippine Cancer Society or other medical associations consulted before the law was passed? Their input is crucial in shaping a practical and effective program. Additionally, if approximately 35,040 Filipinos die from cancer annually, how many lives does the government project will be saved through this initiative? If 194 cancer cases are diagnosed per 100,000 patients today, how will this number change under the new program? National Cancer Database and Accessibility: A robust cancer patient database is essential for tracking cases, monitoring treatment outcomes, and ensuring equitable access. Does the new law provide for such a database, and if so, how will it be maintained? More importantly, how can we guarantee that even the poorest patients benefit from cancer care and medication support? Long-Term Vision and Infrastructure: Does the program offer long-term care beyond initial consultations? Will government hospitals be upgraded to provide specialized cancer treatments? Addressing these concerns is essential if the country aims to achieve a cancer-free status in the future. Human Resource Challenges: The Philippines faces a shortage of oncologists, with only around 112 radiation oncologists serving the entire country. Given the demand, was this law passed with a plan to increase the number of trained oncologists? Will there be incentives for general practitioners to specialize in oncology? Furthermore, does the law include provisions for a dedicated national cancer hospital, like the Philippine Heart Center (PHC) or the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI)? These questions demand urgent answers. While the allocation of P3 billion is commendable, it must be backed by a concrete, well-structured implementation plan. Otherwise, this much-needed initiative risks falling into the common pitfalls of underfunded, poorly executed government programs. Cancer patients in the Philippines deserve better—and the success of this program will be measured not just in pesos spent, but in lives saved. Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com 03-03-2025