Breast cancer patients to get access to two additional drugs under universal health program

From December 16^th, cancer patients will have direct access to two additional cancer treatment drugs under Thailand’s universal health scheme, avoiding the current pay first, refund later scheme.

Ms. Wilawan Payanoi, deputy director-general of the Comptroller Department, said today that the department has added Trastuzumab and Ruxolitinib to the OCPA system approved medication list.

Trastuzumab is used in the initial treatment of breast cancer when cancerous cells are multiplying rapidly, whereas Ruxolitinib is for patients suffering from Myelofibrosis, a cancer of the bone marrow.

Doctors who need the two drugs to treat their patients under the universal health scheme must register to get access to them.