In a significant step towards advancing cancer care in the Philippines, St. Frances Cabrini Medical Center (SFCMC) has entered into a strategic partnership with Roche (Philippines) Inc., on June 25, 2024.

A courtesy engagement was held at St. Frances Cabrini Medical Center to discuss the partnership’s potential opportunities and strategies. Key representatives from both organizations attended the meeting, including Dr. Florentino T. Afable, Vice-President of SFCMC, and Dr. Mallen M. Gellido, OIC of the Cancer Institute at SFCMC. Roche Philippines was represented by General Manager Dr. Diana G. Edralin and a distinguished entourage including various chapter leads and patient journey partners.

The primary objective of this partnership is to enhance access to healthcare services for cancer patients across the Philippines. By leveraging Roche’s innovative programs and SFCMC’s robust healthcare infrastructure, the collaboration aims to drive better health outcomes for patients.

Two key initiatives discussed during the engagement were the Roche Access Program (RAP) Plus and Project Harmony. The former is an individualized financial assistance and patient support program designed to help Filipino patients access Roche medicines by offering a range of support services, including direct discounts, free loading doses, transportation services, patient care kits, and diagnostics.

Project Harmony, another initiative, allows patients to combine a government guarantee letter (GL) with RAP Plus discounts at partner RAP sites. This integration improves the sustainability of patient treatment, ensuring better chances of receiving optimal care.

Dr. Afable and Dr. Gellido, along with their team, expressed their commitment to this partnership, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in advancing patient care.

As this partnership progresses, SFCMC and Roche Philippines are committed to working closely together to achieve their shared vision of improving cancer care in the Philippines. This collaboration not only enhances patient access to life-saving treatments but also sets the stage for a more sustainable and patient-centric healthcare system.