Promised cancer drugs wont be funded for at least a year, Cancer Society says decision heartbreaking for patients [Video]

The funding needed to supply 13 new cancer drugs National promised before the election won’t become available for another year at least, Health Minister Shane Reti has confirmed.

Reti claims his party’s policy to provide those new drugs hasn’t changed because the mechanism touted to fund them – reinstating prescription co-payments – hasn’t taken effect yet.

However, he acknowledged today’s Budget is missing the $70 million National included in its pre-election policy last year – something that has prompted disappointment from cancer patients and organisations.

The Cancer Society said it was “deeply disappointed” by the lack of additional funding for cancer medicines.

“Our hearts go out to those living with cancer and their whānau who had their hopes raised by National’s election promise last August to fund 13 cancer drugs, only to see them crushed today,” Cancer Society national executive Dr Rachael Hart said.

“Today’s announcement means that many will …