Premier Brian Pallister announced today that the budget will include an additional $4 million in funding to support the provision of cancer drugs for patients across the province.
Pallister says the national work will ensure affordability is significant, because there are many new drugs being developed and it is anticipated that cancer drug costs will continue to rise.
The additional funding will bring the budgeted amount for providing intravenous cancer drugs to approximately $50 million annually, while Manitoba's Home Cancer Drug Program provides cost-free access to approved oral cancer medications and cancer support drugs including anti-nausea medications that counter side-effects of chemotherapy.
Pallister also says Manitoba is working with other provinces and territories to look at ways to ensure the long-term affordability of cancer drugs.
