 |
 |
 |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|||||
|
Leader's LetterSeptember 2006
Kiwi Cancer Patients Need Treatment OptionsThe rate of development and use of new medical technology is increasing rapidly throughout the world but when and how the new technology is adopted depends largely on who funds it. Developments in technology will have a significant impact on health care costs in New Zealand in the short term. Cancer currently causes 29% of deaths in New Zealand with a predicted increase to 47% by 2011. However, without adequate funding for research and subsequent investment in new technology cancer patients in New Zealand will not have access to the treatment options that should be available to them. New Zealand First believes that research which could save lives and expedite cancer treatment should be a priority for the Ministry of Health - particularly in view of the predicted increase of this disease. Positron emission tomography (PET) scanning has been available in Australia since 1992, and even longer in many other countries, but here in New Zealand there are no publicly funded scanners. PET scans can identify cancerous tumours and determine the status of these so that treatment options can be refined. New Zealand cancer patients wanting the benefit of this technology must travel to Australia at their own expense or, if they are fortunate enough, at their District Health Board’s expense. Establishing PET scanning in this country could cost up to $20 million. However, it has been estimated by one leading surgeon that savings on lung cancer operations alone would be in excess of $600,000 per annum. The Minister of Health has delegated the decision on whether or not we should have PET scanning in this country to a subcommittee for "analysing and evaluating proposals for change and business cases". In cases like this where lives could be saved, and decisions about costly treatment expedited by the acquisition of equipment, the Minister should be able to fast track the assessment process and make a prompt decision about the purchase of this equipment so that cancer patients are able to have the treatment that they need. The public health system needs to be more efficient to meet increasing demand on its services. This problem will get worse and now is the time to confront and manage it. Barbara Stewart MP
|
|
|||
|
|
||