Empowering Cancer Patients Through the iCAN Program of I.E. Medica Oncology: Holistic Patient Support Program

Cancer patients face life difficulties and challenges both medically and financially that can overwhelm them on their journey against cancer. Access to complete treatment in a single, coordinated source is often difficult, forcing patients to navigate multiple providers for different aspects of their care. This fragmented process can delay critical treatments and add unnecessary burden. Additionally, there is an immense number of cancer patients who face financial challenges in accessing their treatments, with many of them struggling to start and stay on medications, procedures, and the best supportive care. Seemingly, another challenge is low awareness about available government initiatives that could ease the financial strain. Many patients are not fully informed about the support programs they could avail, missing out on crucial aid.

These challenges highlight the need for a comprehensive patient support program that provides not only medical care but also access to financial assistance, ensuring patient’s fast recovery and encapsulating wellness and quality of life.

What is the iCAN Program?

iCAN stands for I.E. Medica Cancer Assistance & Navigation Program, an initiative of I.E. Medica’s Oncology Department. This patient program aims to provide cancer patients assistance to ease financial burden and access to the right treatment. The ultimate goal of this program is to serve all Filipino cancer patients who are in need of quality and cost-effective medicines with a considerate price. Part of these offerings include free laboratory procedures that will depend on the type of cancer they have and the physician’s recommended test for proper medical evaluation.

A patient-centric care approach is our key priority, and with this we were able to identify three important goals that patients need to achieve:

• Patient start and stay on treatment. This patient program is designed to promote quality of life by offering quality and cost-effective products within reach of cancer patients at a reasonable cost. Thus, improving treatment compliance.
• Patients are relieved from economic burden. I.E Medical is rigorously working with key stakeholders to substantiate partnerships with LGUs and private funders such as Patient Advocacy Groups & Foundations to serve the needs of cancer patients in terms of their medication and several laboratories.
• Provide full access and serve as a single source for complete treatment and medication. Our purpose is to deliver a complete portfolio and establish a reliable and trusted purchasing system between medical doctors and patients.

Key Features of iCAN Program

1. Medical societies participation & partnership
2. Participate in several big events & activities: Continuing Medical Education (CME) support and medical advancement program
3. Easier access to multiple combination medicines
4. Ease the burden of patients & medical doctors in accessing complete chemo treatment from a single provider
5. iCAN Patient Support Program (Assistance & Access)
6. Offer product bundling promo and / or free laboratory procedures
7. Increase cancer awareness campaign
8. Private funders & LGU partnership
9. Create partnership to partially subsidize cost of treatment/therapy to further reduce patient expenditures

I.E. Medica is dedicated to creating patient-centric programs that address the unique needs of those facing serious health challenges, like cancer. By streamlining access to complete care regimens and connecting patients to government agencies which offers financial assistance, I.E. Medica ensures that patients receive the support they need at every stage of their journey. The objective of this program is not limited to addressing the burdens of cancer patients, but also to ensure that they receive the holistic support they deserve, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to empowering patients and improving health outcomes across the nation.

For more details about iCAN, we have our Customer Engagement and Patient Relation Officer (CEPRO) to be of service to you.

You may directly contact our CEPRO at 0917 626 0993 or reyes.j@iemedica.com.ph