The COVID-19 pandemic caused attention not to be prioritized cancer patients. This generated an increase in deaths from this disease in Peru. More than 70,000 new cases and 35,000 associated deaths are reported each year (IARC, 2020), and the budget for this year was reduced by 53% compared to the final budget increased in 2021, according to MEF data.
According to the Esperantra Association, although the Cancer Law was approved last year, which guarantees universal, free and priority coverage of health services for all, and the approval of its regulations is pending, the approval of its budget is also pending. , which should be increased as cases of this disease are increasing.
“Every day 100 Peruvians die from this disease and as a result of the pandemic it is estimated that we have gone on to have 140 deaths from cancer daily. That is why we are very concerned about the budget that was already insufficient, which was previously S/ 343 million and by 2022 it will be only S/ 281 million”pointed out Karla Ruiz de Castilla, president of the association.
SIGHT: ‘Esperantra’: “As a result of the pandemic we have 140 daily deaths from cancer”
Improve healing rate
During the forum “Successful experiences in the implementation of the Cancer Law”, the need for an increase in the budget for cancer prevention and control was discussed with different authorities in the health sector.
Along these lines, Dr. Víctor Palacios, Executive Director of the Cancer Prevention and Control Directorate of the Ministry of Health, stated that “We want this regulation to increase the number of clinical study cases 1 in the next 10 years, and to reduce the number of cases in absolute values of clinical study cases 4; that is, people who unfortunately are going to die from cancer. What we want to improve is the cure rate, and this is achieved with investment (…) There are laws that are not coordinated with the public budget law. It doesn’t make sense, it’s a dead letter.”
For his part, Congressman Héctor Acuña said that “that is why we have to work hard on prevention. I believe that through Congress we should take the initiative to form a commission to improve the quality of life of our cancer patients”. Congresswoman Kelly Portalatino added that “we are aware that the work of legislators is of vital importance to join forces and work in accordance with the great needs.”
