The Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN) has been necessitated to introduce a nominal donation structure for patients, CAN Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Rolf Hansen has said.
In media statement issued on Thursday, Hansen said the move comes as operations of the two interim homes, House Acacia and CHICA Interim Home, equate to some of the largest portions of support expended to patients, as they include three nutritional meals and daily transportation.
“This structure will allow us to keep our doors open and continue providing this critical function and all services related thereto, in respect to the homes,” the statement added.
It further added that patients make these two facilities their home during their six-weekly treatment plans, or for follow-up checks in preventing the spread of cancer.
“As of 01 March, patients are required to pay N. dollars 150.00 per day and accompanying spouses will be required to pay N. dollars 250.00 per night subject to availability of beds,” the statement added.
CAN has a Patient Financial Assistance Programme (PFAP) which traditionally assists patients with transport support, financial help and accommodation of co-payments, monthly subsidies, nutritional food supplements and outstanding hospital/medical accounts.
This PFAP will be available to patients who are not able to make the required payment through application, the statement added.