The Braga Health Users Commission warned of alleged failures in the supply of medicines to cancer patients undergoing treatment at the Braga Hospital. An accusation rejected by the hospital administration, which denies the existence of any rupture and guarantees that it is only carrying out “judicious management” of the quantities delivered.
Speaking to the Lusa agency, José Lobato, coordinator of the commission, states that since February 12th he has received complaints from several chemotherapy patients who no longer receive the daily medication necessary to continue the treatment.
“I have reports from users who undergo chemotherapy and who are not being provided with medication to continue treatment. The hospital says it is undergoing restructuring”he explained. According to the person responsible, some patients have been referred to community pharmacies, where they end up paying for the medicines out of their own pocket.
Hospital denies distribution of drugs
In a clarification sent to Lusa, the hospital guarantees that “medicines never ran out” and that what happened was just a more rigorous management of the quantities dispensed, with the aim of safeguarding the continuity of treatments.
The unit admits, however, that this option may have involved more frequent travel by patients during a transitional period. Even so, he assures that “therapeutic safety has never been compromised” and reaffirms the commitment to improving the effectiveness of the service.
In a publication on its official page on the social network Facebook, the Users’ Commission expresses “concern regarding information about possible lack of medicines for cancer patients” and recalls that regular access to treatments is a right of users and an obligation of the National Health Service.
The commission demands “urgent public clarification” about which medications are in question, the reasons for the situation, the measures adopted and the expected date for restoring normality.
José Lobato also said that he is preparing a formal presentation to send to the President of the Republic, the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Health and the Health Commission of the Assembly of the Republic, as well as parties with parliamentary seats.
With Lusa
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