GIPAP, a novel care program for CML and GIST cancer patients, celebrates 4th Anniversary
Bangkok, 20 July 2007 - The International Patient Assistance Program (GIPAP) , a novel access program for CML and GIST cancer patients in Thailand, celebrated its 4nd Anniversary in Thailand after four years of successfully helping over 900 needy patients suffering from certain forms of chronic myloid leukemia (CML) and gastronomal intestinal stroma tumor (GIST) by providing the innovative drug – Imatinib Mesylate – free of charge.
The objective of the event is to support the patients in physical and metal health. The auspicious event was presided over by Professor Dr. Saengsuree Jootar, the President of The Thai Society of Hematology, Ms. Sirilak Suteekul, Country President Novartis (Thailand) Ltd., along with a representative from The Max Foundation, Hematology & Medical oncology physicians and patients.
Professor Dr. Saengsuree Jootar, the President of The Thai Society of Hematolgoy, commented, “As you know, I have practised as a hematologist for several years. I have treated and taken care many CML patients. Most CML patients are poor and cannot pay for the treatment. Since GIPAP program started, the program provides Imatinib, which is the first innovative drug of cancer treatment, at no cost to eligible patients. You can say that GIPAP program is like a “Miracle” for those group of patients. In the past, those group of patients might not be able to spell the word “Miracle” or put the word “Miracle” in their own dictionary.”
Ms. Sirilak Suteekul, Country President Novartis (Thailand) Ltd., added, “With clear mission and policy of Novartis, we determine to maintain the business with the social responsibilities for all patients and society. With the strong promise of social responsibilities, Novartis launched GIPAP program, which has provided Imatinib free of charge to the patients with financial difficulties.”
GIPAP is one of the most comprehensive and far-reaching cancer access programs. The program was launched in 2002 and provided Imatinib free of charge in 80 developing countries to CML and GIST patients. The program also plays important role to help and relieve the pain and suffer for the poor patients. In Thailand, Novartis has continually operated GIPAP for the 4th year since 2003. GIPAP has provided assistance to patients more than 900 patients for the past four years. At present, there are 34 GIPAP centers and 113 GIPAP physicians all over Thailand.For more information of GIPAP program, please visit www.gipapthailand.org.
GIPAP gives hope to needy CML patients
Bangkok: December 21, 2004 - Most people are aware of the life-threatening cancer in the blood, chronic myeloid leukemia or CML which can occur in middle-aged people but may occur in children. Recently the effective medication using for this treatment is Imatinib mesilate. It’s the first oncology drug to be developed based on understanding of how some cancer cells work. It blocks the production of the abnormal protein tyrosine kinease Bcr-Abl, which cause the irregular production of white cells. Most than 84% of CML under Im experiences positive response.
At such costs, the needy patients have little hope of recovering from CML or even have some relief from their suffering, but with the introduction of GIPAP (International Patient Assistant Program), the needy patients who are not insured or reimbursed and have no other financial resource have begun to have a ray of hope in receiving free cutting edge medical assistance.
It has now been two years since the GIPAP program started providing needy CML patients in Thailand with medical assistance at no cost. The medical assistant program, initiated by Novartis in January 2003, now boosts a network of approximately 45 registered doctors in various hospitals nationwide. Actually more than 200 CML patients benefit from GIPAP. One of these doctors is Professor Dr. Saengsuree Jootar, President of The Thai Society of Hematology and Director of Ramathibodi Hospital’s Bone Marrow Transplantation Program.
Professor Dr. Saengsuree Jootar revealed that she has worked in the field of Hematology for decades; in fact, ever since she graduated from Mahidol University in 1971. She is respected amongst her peers as an expert in Hematology, and has found that CML, in comparison, with other forms of cancer is relatively rare and very difficult to cure. However, there are over 1,400 patients suffering from CML in Thailand, and it has been her dream to be able to help them, especially those who are not insured and do not have the financial means to pay for treatment. It was, therefore, not surprising to learn that upon discovering that Novartis had implemented the GIPAP program worldwide, and planned to launch the program for the needy in Thailand, Dr. Saengsuree immediately registered in the program.
Dr. Saengsuree also stated, “When CML patients, who are Social Security cardholders and have been granted a budget of Baht 750,000 specifically for bone marrow transplant, are unable to find donors with matching bone marrow, they should be able to utilize this funding for the cost of medicines instead. Although the Baht 750,000 would buy medicines for the patient for only six months, GIPAP would be able to continue to assist with medical provisions after that period. At present, the Social Security department has not allowed the release of funds for medicines, and therefore GIPAP is unable to assist these patients”.
