Cancer is not only a deadly disease, but also an expensive one to fight. The cost of fighting the disease can be understood not just financially, but also emotionally. Just ask Mr Tan*, a 51 year-old bachelor who was recently diagnosed with brain cancer and requires immediate and aggressive treatment. The cash component of the estimated bill for his entire course of chemotherapy treatments alone already comes up to more than $15,000.
Previously employed as a painter, Mr Tan had to stop work since his diagnosis. Without a steady income, his savings are insufficient to fund all the treatments he needs. In fact, within a period of just six weeks, the cost of Mr Tan’s treatments have already exhausted his entire Medisave account. While his siblings appear concerned about him, their own financial burdens prevent them from being able to offer much help financially.
It is emotionally very taxing for Mr Tan to come to terms with and fight his disease. This emotional toil is further aggravated when he has to worry about how he is going to fund the treatments which he so desperately requires.
His successful application for help from the NUH PCF means that his medical bills (cash component) will be taken care of and this will aid in reducing both his financial and emotional burdens. Without having to worry about the cost of treatment, Mr Tan will then be able to wholly focus on winning his battle with cancer.
*Name has been changed for patient confidentiality |
