THE NSW Labor and Liberal parties will both likely drop the chemotherapy co-payment if they obtain government this year.
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NSW Premier Mike Baird has strongly indicated his government will drop chemotherapy fees charged to cancer patients if re-elected, saying a pledge by the state Opposition to scrap the payment "makes sense".
Labor's policy, which would cost $6.2million, would mean cancer patients in public hospitals, and private patients in rural areas, are not charged a co-payment for chemotherapy drugs.
Opposition health spokesman Walt Secord said the co-payment, introduced by the O'Farrell government in 2012, cost some patients $180 for initial treatment, and more if different drugs were used as treatment progressed.
“It is heartening to see political parties acknowledge the financial burden on cancer patients, and recognise the role that State Government can play in helping patients and carers at a difficult time in their lives,” Cancer Council NSW community programs coordinator Jennifer Mozina said.
“We know that some cancer patients can pay up $180 in co-payment fees for their initial chemotherapy treatment and may be charged even more for further treatment.
“Removing this financial cost will help ease the burden for cancer patients and their families.”
- With The Sydney Morning Herald
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