In Fiji, over a thousand cancer patients face significant challenges due to the lack of essential medical consumables that are not included in the government’s free healthcare scheme. During an event in Suva commemorating World Cancer Day, Alumita Bera from the Fiji Cancer Society highlighted the urgent need for items such as stoma bags, diapers, and medical oxygen, which are crucial for ensuring a good quality of life for these patients.
Ms. Bera emphasized that financial barriers prevent many patients from accessing these vital supplies. She pointed out that inadequate listening by policymakers to the experiences of cancer patients leads to gaps in healthcare delivery, which can result in delayed diagnoses and insufficient support for affected families.
“Your policies have the power to save lives, ease burdens, and give hope,” Ms. Bera stressed, urging officials to prioritize the needs of cancer patients and include necessary consumables in healthcare provisions. She also called for stronger community advocacy to amplify the voices of patients and caregivers, addressing ongoing issues like geographical barriers and resource limitations that restrict access to essential care.
Ms. Bera articulated a vision for a future where all individuals, regardless of their circumstances, have access to critical healthcare services. “Today is not just a walk for awareness; it is a call for change — a movement towards a future where everyone has access to the care they need,” she said, capturing the collective hope for improved healthcare access in Fiji.
This poignant reminder during World Cancer Day serves to rally support and highlight the importance of inclusivity in health policy-making, ensuring that the stories and struggles of cancer patients are at the forefront of decision-making processes.
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