Kathmandu- Health and Population Minister Pradip Paudel expressed gratitude to all contributors for providing free medicine and treatment to children battling cancer.
The first vaccine used to treat cancer in children is now available under the ‘Global Platform to Access Childhood Cancer Medicine’ initiative, a collaboration between the World Health Organization and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The organization also confirmed that more medicine would be made available in an orderly manner.
Minister Paudel emphasized the Ministry’s free health campaign, which began on 1st Falgun. Despite economic challenges, he stressed that no child should be deprived of cancer treatment and expressed confidence that ongoing efforts will help reduce childhood cancer-related deaths.
“Cancer has become a major health issue, and we are working on preventive measures alongside treatment through the National Cancer Control Strategy,” said Minister Paudel. “We are organizing free health treatments so that no child is deprived of cancer care despite financial constraints.”
Minister Paudel further noted that efforts are underway to expand cancer treatment services to all provinces, with plans for gradual improvements. Ministry spokesperson Dr. Prakesh Budathoki informed that the necessary medicines for cancer treatment are currently available at Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital, Kanti Children’s Hospital, and Patan Academy of Health Sciences.