EON

Toronto – Some good news today for cancer patients, the Ontario government will now pay for three new and expensive cancer drugs.

The province will spend 50 million dollars over the next three years for three drugs that until now cancer patients had to pay for themselves at private clinics.

The bulk of the cash, 30 million dollars will fund Avastin a ground breaking drug for colorectal cancer which costs a whopping 40 thousand dollars per treatment.

Dr Jim Biagi said the high price put Avastin out reach for many patients.

“A lot of patients simply say, “that’s nice” but have to  decline paying for it, or they don’t have third party coverage through a health plan.”

NDP critic Peter Kormos calls the decision a victory for cancer patients and their families.

“Now, of course, the pressure has to be kept on the government that the funding levels remain adequate,” he said.

“I guess what I don’t know right now is when does the funding start and what are the criteria,” added Progressive Conservative critic Elizabeth Witmer. “Will everyone be eligible?”

The remaining 20 million dollars will be spent on new drugs for leukemia and lung cancer.