Sowry - still no clear criteria for Australian radiation treatment payouts
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Roger Sowry National Health Spokesperson
27 November 2001
Still no clear criteria for Australian radiation treatment payouts The Health Minister has backed down on her earlier
decision to only reimburse those cancer patients who commenced radiation treatment in Australia on or before 6 September
2001, says National's Health spokesperson Roger Sowry.
"Last week, the Minister told me that she would only reimburse those patients who went to Australia for radiation
treatment after 6 September. Patients who commenced treatment before then, and paid for it themselves, were being
treated cruelly by the Minister's decision.
"My office was contacted by a number of patients who had missed out on reimbursement, and we know that there are others
who have gone across the Tasman at their own expense for radiation treatment to avoid New Zealand's long waiting lists.
"Today, it would seem that the Government has conceded it had made a mistake and would now reimburse patients on a
case-by-case basis.
However, I am very concerned that there are still no clear criteria set down so people can determine whether they are
eligible to have their costs reimbursed.
"I call on the Minister of Health to stop playing games with cancer patients. These people, who have already
experienced significant stress due to their illness, do not need to waste precious time talking to bureaucrats who will
make decisions on a case-by-case basis. The Minister should front up and tell people just who qualifies and who does
not.
"I would urge any cancer patient who travelled to Australia for radiation treatment at their own expense and is now
seeking reimbursement to contact me. I will take up their case with the Minister of Health," said Mr Sowry.
Ends