DEAR FRIEND OF CPAA

Dear Friend of CPAA,

On the 18th of March, the Indian government announced a new plan towards cancercontrol. This new initiative was to double the number of cancer treatment centres inthe country. While praiseworthy in itself, it actually hides a larger problem whichmust be solved before it can work.

The problem is the availability of affordable drugs. To give you an idea of theproblem, I have listed below some drugs presently prescribed by doctors and theircost:

Herceptin-Rs. 13-15 lakhs
Tercava-Rs. 6 lakhs
Glivec-Rs. 1.25 lakhs/month for the rest of your life
Mabthera-Rs. 10-12 lakhs
Avastin-Rs. 5.25 lakh
Erbitux-Rs. 5 lakh
Lenalid-Rs. 1.5 lakh
Xeloda-Rs. 60,000
Geftinat-Rs. 6 lakh
Sutent- Rs 8.24 lakh

How many patients can afford to pay such sums? Most Indian patients do not haveinsurance and there is no government help either. In such a situation, we have seenpatients sell their jewelry, property, their business to get drugs for their lovedones. In the words of one family head, "I love my brother, but how can I mortgagenot only my family's future but that of our future generations?"

While we are pleased that so many new therapies have been approved, we are concernedabout the high cost of cancer therapies in the current environment. We hear dailyfrom patients who are forced to choose medical alternatives when costs become toohigh. The time has come to take a stand. We appeal to pharmaceutical companies and thegovernment to help ensure that therapies are available to all who need them and arenot out of reach because of price.

To show your solidarity, go to CPAA's website and sign on this letter which will be sent to the Ministry of Health.

Forward this mail to all your concerned friends and ask them to do the same.