NDP calls for universal access to take-home cancer drugs

NDP motion to be debated Wednesday

QUEEN’S PARK — Official Opposition Health critic France Gélinas said that too many Ontarians can’t afford life-saving take-home cancer drugs, which is why the NDP has tabled a motion that will make take-home cancer treatments free.

Today, cancer treatments delivered in Ontario's hospitals are covered, but new, modern — often more effective — treatments like oral pills are not covered, and can come with a big price tag. The NDP motion, which will be debated Wednesday, compels the province to cover the cost of take-home cancer drugs, just like in-hospital treatments.

“Receiving a cancer diagnosis is one of the scariest things a person and a family can face,” said Gélinas. “Access to modern, take-home cancer drugs puts another path to a clean bill of health on the table for many. But for too many, that forces them to choose between travelling to a hospital for a lengthy visit, or paying hundreds of dollars for take-home drugs to get the treatment they need. This shouldn’t be happening in Ontario today.

“Ontario families deserve to benefit from modern medicine. Let's give cancer patients the very best treatments and the very best chance of recovery. And let's never, ever in Ontario tell people that they need to rack up credit card debt in order to get the cancer care they need."

As many as half of all Ontarians will receive a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, with an estimated 86,000 new diagnoses each year. Currently, coverage for take-home cancer drugs is limited to seniors over 65 and youth under 25.

Gélinas said too many people are falling through the gaps.

“Dani Taylor received a cancer diagnosis in her twenties. She was working part-time and forced to travel hours to get treatment,” said Gélinas. “Access to take-home cancer drugs make a world of difference for people like Dani. It would give people like her their lives back.

“We need to give people hope that life doesn’t end with a cancer diagnosis. Fixing gaps in access to take-home cancer drugs is an important step.”