The Deputy Minister of Health for Treatment Affairs stated that the National Comprehensive Cancer Program will begin in October. All cancer-related services, including insurance coverage, physicians, patients, and health benefactors, will be registered in a dedicated system and documented. According to this program, all cancer patients will receive free services.
Speaking on Thursday evening, September 17, during the inauguration ceremony of the advanced Nuclear Medicine Imaging Center (PET Scan) in Kerman, Seyed Sajjad Razavi referred to the province’s healthcare achievements and expressed satisfaction with the measures taken. He stated: “We know that if we take action in cancer prevention and early diagnosis, treatment costs can be reduced by tenfold, and implementing such initiatives in diagnosis and treatment will bring significant benefits to the community.”
He added: “The development taking place in global healthcare is that modern technologies and innovations are advancing rapidly, and countries that do not invest in this field will face serious challenges.”
Razavi stated that new technologies are replacing traditional economic resources such as oil and minerals, and that gene therapy is now becoming a major focus. “We must not fall behind,” he said. “No government in the world can manage healthcare costs alone without the support of benefactors, organizations, and other stakeholders. This is happening in Kerman and should be expanded nationwide.”
The Deputy Minister of Health said that Kerman is making significant progress in scientific research and understanding the biogeography of cancer and will certainly become a model in this field.
He stated that in healthcare, patients do not always have the freedom to choose. When a physician determines that a PET scan is necessary, the patient cannot simply refuse the procedure, and in some cases may even be forced to sell personal assets such as a car or home to cover the costs.
Razavi continued: “Under these circumstances, with advanced technologies and government limitations, health benefactors demonstrate great commitment by supporting such initiatives. Their efforts prevent people from having to travel elsewhere to receive medical services, reducing additional burdens and difficulties.”
The Deputy Minister of Health stated that health benefactors have a different perspective on life and transform material contributions into meaningful social and humanitarian efforts through their actions.
He further explained that Kerman has significant potential in hospital infrastructure, and with the completion of ongoing projects, it can become a national referral center in the region. Services provided to neighboring provinces should also be considered in the province’s healthcare capacity, which represents a population of approximately 6 to 7 million people.
Razavi emphasized to the President of Kerman University of Medical Sciences that health benefactors should participate in the management of healthcare organizations, as they often bring valuable perspectives and decisions that can contribute to advancing public health goals.
The Deputy Minister of Health stated that the National Comprehensive Cancer Program will begin in October, and all cancer-related activities, including insurance services, physicians, patients, and health benefactors, will be registered and documented within the system.
He added that the goal is for all cancer patients to receive free services. “Although government and parliamentary approvals exist to provide free cancer treatment nationwide, this has not yet been fully implemented in practice. Starting in October, everyone must actively participate in this system so that no patient is deprived of quality treatment due to financial issues.”
