Guy Rapt for Local Herceptin Hero
MP for Otaki Nathan Guy says he is delighted for local Herceptin hero Chris Walsh and her team that the new National led Government has delivered what they have fought so hard for.
“Chris Walsh of Horowhenua has done a tremendous amount of work in the fight to secure 12 month funding of the breast cancer drug, Herceptin.
“She has been one of the strongest advocates and has done a remarkable job for all women. Today’s announcement is fantastic news as we can now support many women in their struggle against Her-2 breast cancer.”
Mr Guy says during the election campaign National promised to fund Herceptin for 12 months and now we can honour that by helping about 300 women a year in their battle against breast cancer.”
He says Ms Walsh and her team battled against Pharmac and the Labour Government for two years to have the funding of Herceptin extended from nine weeks to 12 months.
“They all said no. National’s strong new leadership under Prime Minister John Key has moved quickly to say that this Government will support these women and fund this drug to help them and their families fight the insidious disease that cancer is.”
Mr Guy says the funding is backdated to 19 November, when National was sworn in as Government, and will save women with Her-2 breast cancer up to $100,000 a year.
He says the move places New Zealand alongside 34 other counties who fund the drug for a full year. No legislation was required to make the change and it has become effective immediately.