Sanofi-aventis, one of the largest multinational pharmaceuticals in Bangladesh has decided to provide its revolutionary anti-cancer drug “Taxotere” at an affordable price as a part of its patient assistance programme, says a press release.
Patient assistance programme was inaugurated recently in a local hotel in the city. Iftekharul Islam, Managing Director of sanofi-aventis, Bangladesh spoke about the patient assistance programme in presence of renowned oncologists of the country. He said “Sanofi-aventis has always been providing Taxotere at a reduced price of 5 to 25 per cent from 1998, the year when Taxotere was introduced”.
“The patient assistance programme has been introduced so that cancer patients can now get better access to treatment with chemotherapy at the right time in a developing country like Bangladesh” added Mr Islam.
Dr Md Salim Reza, Consultant Oncologist, Ahsania Mission Cancer and General Hospital pointed out that the ordeal of cancer makes a patient mentally very stressed out. The support of family and friends helps during these times. Support of professional counsellors for the patients as well the caregivers can really boost up the mental strength for the fight against cancer. It also improves the quality of life of the patients.
Prof. Mohammad Abdul Hai, Head of Oncology, Khwaja Yunus Ali Medical College and Hospital said that cancer patients usually go back home after they take the chemotherapy and stays home until next chemotherapy. For any health related issues during these times, they consult nearby general practitioners or local doctors. A lot of times the patients face problems because the local general practitioner or doctor lacks awareness about the side effects of cancer treatment. This can lead to life threatening side effects like neutropenia (decrease of white blood cells).
He stressed the need to establish community nursing and requested Sanofi-aventis to take steps regarding the issue.
Source: The Daily Star, April 03, 2010
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