Schoolmates of Late Cancer Victim: Government Neglected Us

By Julie Badui Owa – EMTV News, Lae

The schoolmates of late Ruth Kaupa came forward after Ruth’s funeral yesterday, Friday, January 18, questioning why the government has delayed fixing the treatment facility in Lae.

Sarina Robert who will be doing her third year in Law, at the University of Papua New Guinea said the Government should’ve prioritized in getting the Cancer unit fixed and save lives.

Late Ruth died of breast cancer last Sunday and will be laid to rest on Monday, in her home province in Chimbu.   

After Ruth’s Funeral Service yesterday, Miss Robert said while living and studying in Port Moresby, she has seen a lot of developments.

She wished the government would help repair the cancer treatment machine at Angau, so her friend Ruth could be treated.

Ruth Kaupa is a 21-year-old woman who died of breast cancer last weekend. She was supposed to do her second year of social studies and religion at the Divine Word University when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2017.

Kaupa was advised by doctors to be treated overseas, because the cancer treatment machine at the Angau Hospital in Lae was out of order since 2016.

Last year, Miss Kaupa travelled to Manila in September, to revieve treatment. However, she had to return without completing her treatment, because her family ran out of money.

The family paid more than K122 thousand for her treatment overseas.

Over the last six years, many Papua New Guinean families have raised funds to seek cancer treatment in the overseas.

Meanwhile, the government allocated K30 million for the cancer treatment centers in Lae and Port Moresby, and more allocations will be done this year, according to Planning Minister, Richard Maru.