The Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN) received 151 applications for financial assistance from Namibian cancer patients in February 2023.
CAN in a statement on Monday said on 03 March 2023, its Patient Financial Assistance disbursed support in the amount of N.dollars 105 700 in addition to providing transport and lodging assistance to cancer patients.
CAN Chief Executive Officer, Rolf Hansen told Nampa on Monday CAN has several patient support programmes that include two interim homes, transportation and financial support, while the new palliative care programme aims to support patients in need of rehabilitative, pain and/or end-of-life support.
CAN’s interim care homes are open to all cancer patients in need of lodging while receiving active treatment at Windhoek oncology facilities, he said, while financially vulnerable cancer patients are encouraged to apply with the financial assistance funds.
Hansen stated that Windhoek Central Hospital’s Dr AB May Cancer Care Centre offers free cancer treatment to Namibians who require it because of their financial or social vulnerability.
He said by enhancing both public and private care options, CAN’s support initiatives strengthen Namibia’s cancer care continuum.
“We all have a part to play in creating a better environment for cancer patients in Namibia, and as the need grows, so too must our support network,” Hansen said.
CAN has also opened a new Community Care Centre in Windhoek in order to concentrate on community health issues in a broader sense.
The development of the programme, which is a branch extension of the many other programmes already running under the CAN banner, was influenced by the rapid demand at the current weekly clinics for more screening and support services to the community, Hansen noted.
“To enable the community to ‘pop in’ during a lunch hour for screening, book a slot without waiting in long lines, and shortening the turnaround time of medical examination feedback, a dedicated nurse and two patient navigators will be permanently stationed at the new centre,” he said.
In addition to housing a community clinic open from Monday through Thursday, the Standard Bank Circle of Hope will continue to provide ongoing psychosocial support and care at its new location at 98 John Meinert Street in Windhoek West.
The centre is set to start operating fully next month.
Source: The Namibian Press Agency
