2023-05-18 03:01:25
Realizing that the wait times for radiation therapy for thousands of breast and prostate cancer patients are too long, British Columbia has resolved to send nearly 5,000 of them to the United States for treatment, high price.
The program, announced earlier this week by Health Minister Adrian Dix, aims to send around 50 patients a week for treatment at two clinics in Bellingham, a small Pacific coast town regarding 30 miles from the border.
The initiative, which will come into effect at the end of May, will be maintained for two years, thus bringing regarding 4,800 patients to obtain up to five radiotherapy sessions on American soil.
“This temporary measure will help those facing cancer, while we continue our efforts to recruit specialized and support staff and to improve our infrastructure,” pleaded Minister Dix.
Three times more expensive
However, according to the Globe and Mail, the program will cost the government a small fortune. According to data provided Wednesday, the average cost of radiation therapy is $3,854 in British Columbia, compared to $12,227 in Bellingham clinics, an amount three times higher which excludes the amounts that will have to be reimbursed for accommodation, travel or meals.
The province estimates that sending its patients to the United States for treatment will cost regarding $39 million a year.
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