Cancer Foundation able to assist with drug procurement

The Papua New Guinea Cancer Foundation (PNGCF) is able to assist, at some level, with the procurement of cancer drugs.

PNGCF chief executive officer Dadi Toka Jnr says they’re able to help the Department of Health (DoH) with buying drugs, only when asked by the department.

The foundation carries out prevention and awareness programs throughout the country.

Toka Jnr said the DoH has a mandate with anything to do with health and the procurement of drugs and there is a process that it has to go through, including the tenders process.

In saying that, Toka Jnr explained that they’ve been advised not to get involved in that area.

“However, if the department asks the foundation to help out with the procurement of drugs, I’m sure the PNGCF board will be able to assist at some level.

“But we cannot commit all our funds for that because it’s the mandate of the Government and the DoH to deliver services on treatment and the purchasing of cancer drugs,” he said.

Toka Jnr added that the very first time the foundation started, they bought drugs for the Port Moresby General Hospital.

Author: 
Quintina Naime