Key Initiative
Healthcare
Location
Hong Kong
Year
2018 - 2022
Funded By
Chow Tai Fook Medical Foundation
Primary Care

Cancer Drugs Subsidy Programme

Since 2018, the Foundation has been supporting the Hong Kong Anti-Cancer Society to launch and run a cancer drugs subsidy programme funded by the Chow Tai Fook Medical Foundation. By subsidising low-income cancer patients to purchase self-financed cancer drugs, the programme allows patients to continue receiving medical treatment and prevents them from giving up due to affordability anxiety.

Applicants must be referred by doctors specialising in clinical oncology from the Hospital Authority (including Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Queen Mary Hospital, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, United Christian Hospital, Princess Margaret Hospital, Prince of Wales Hospital and Tuen Mun Hospital). Referred applicants are required to go through a financial means test conducted by the medical social workers, and subject to reviews and assessments by the Hong Kong Anti-Cancer Society.

The programme helps alleviate the financial burden of cancer patients and their families, easing worries about expensive drug costs while allowing them to receive treatment with peace of mind and get back on track after recovery.  It has benefitted 68 cancer patients between 2018 and 2020 and empowered them to tide over difficulties.

Having no money for treatment despite the existence of a needed drug’ is the voice of every disadvantaged cancer patient. Being unable to afford the medications made me feel helpless and worried. Fortunately, the Cancer Drugs Subsidy Programme funded by the Chow Tai Fook Charity Foundation has offered me the financial assistance I needed. I am so grateful

A cancer patient

Thanks for all the help that every benefactor has offered me during the most difficult time

A cancer patient