Cancer patients gain easier access to 2 more drugs
Two additional cancer-treating medicines have been added to the list under the Oncology Prior Authorisation (OCPA) programme, sparing patients the need to pay for the drugs before they begin using them, Comptroller-General Department director-general Suthirat Rattanachote said.
The two approved medicines are Atezolizumab, which treats lung cancer in the distant metastasis state, and Ribociclib, for breast cancer in the distant metastasis state. Patients can start using the drugs under the OCPA programme immediately.
The OCPA programme is applicable to three government schemes: universal coverage under the National Health Security Office; healthcare coverage under the Social Security Office; and medical services coverage for civil servants under the Office of the Civil Service Commission.
Thai citizens or their relatives who are suffering from cancer can register at state hospitals for the OCPA programme. Its list of medicines for direct reimbursement comprises 19 drugs (including the newly added two items), which are provided for 32 indicated conditions, she said.
Suthirat also said the Comptroller-General Department was constantly updating the guidelines for cancer treatments so as to allow greater access to treatments and medical technologies for needy patients