The province has announced $18 million in investments for cancer care, which will help some Nova Scotians receive treatment closer to home.
Government is providing $6.7 million annually to offer chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, a type of treatment for patients with some types of lymphoma. The investment makes Nova Scotia the only province in Atlantic Canada to do so. Previously, patients had to travel to Boston to access CAR T treatment.
“We are committed to providing Nova Scotians with the cancer care and support they need, closer to home,” said Health and Wellness Minister Zach Churchill in a news release. “These changes add another treatment option not previously available in Nova Scotia and will expand eligibility and ensure patients pay less for travel, accommodations, supplies, and cancer drugs.”
Government will also invest $11.1 million over the next three years to reduce out-of-pocket costs for travel, accommodations, ostomy supplies, and cancer drugs.
The provincial government is investing $225,000 in the Canadian Cancer Society’s Susan K. Roberts Lodge That Gives, which provides free accommodations for people who live outside of Halifax, but come to the city for treatment.
