Government and Cancer Society Trade Blows Over Chemotherapy Costs

A public dispute has broken out between the Fiji Cancer Society and the Government over whether cancer patients in the Western Division are being asked to pay for chemotherapy drugs.

Fiji Cancer Society CEO Belinda Chan sparked the debate in a Facebook post where she claimed that Aspen Lautoka Hospital was charging newly diagnosed patients for chemotherapy medication.

“Cancer patients in the West are being told: ‘Purchase or go without.’ Where is the duty of care? Where is the compassion?” she wrote. Chan described the situation as “cruel” and “unjust,” calling it a betrayal of promises of universal health coverage under Fiji’s National Development Plan.

She added: “Now, the system is asking the sickest among us to shoulder the cost of survival. This is not the Fiji we fight for.” The Cancer Society, she said, has been “working quietly behind the scenes—supporting clinicians, building networks, sourcing help,” but could not stay silent “while lives are priced out of treatment.”

The Government quickly rejected the allegations, describing them as misinformation. In a statement, it said Aspen Medical had confirmed directly to the Fiji Cancer Society and the Permanent Secretary for Health that patients were not being charged for chemotherapy.

“Chemotherapy medication is not being charged to patients. No patient has been turned away or told to buy their own medication. The Ministry of Health and Medical Services, through the Fiji Pharmaceutical & Biomedical Services, continues to supply these medicines,” the Government said.

Officials stressed there had been “no change in how treatment is provided to cancer patients,” and warned that spreading false claims only created unnecessary fear.

“It is vital that leaders and organisations do not spread misinformation, as this only causes unnecessary fear and distress for patients and their families. Such actions are irresponsible and undermine the trust between the people and the health system,” the statement read.