"Express lanes" for cancer patients

CEBU, Philippines - Cancer patients will soon benefit the express lanes in different commercial establishments and government offices in Cebu City with the implementation of the ordinance creating the task force for the protection and welfare of persons with cancer.

The city council seeks to start the implementation of the Ordinance 2162 as soon as possible after its passage in February following the approval of its implementing rules and regulations.

The ordinance will have its full force and effect 30 days after its publication in the newspaper.

Once the ordinance is implemented cancer patients will have the convenience in processing their transactions in government offices, medical institutions, banks and other commercial establishments within the city.

Other benefits will be provided in accordance with the implementing rules and regulations of ordinance.

Aside from the express lanes, persons with cancer shall also enjoy smoke-free areas in commercial establishments, restaurants, hotels, motels, bars and terminals for either water, land and air transportation to protect them from smoke which doctors said, would only aggravate their health conditions.

To ensure that these establishments and offices are complying with the fast lanes and designated smoking areas, the city health department and the members of the Task Force Cancer shall conduct random inspection.

Penalties for failure to comply shall include a fine of P3,000 for the first offense, P4,000 for second offense and P5,000 for the third offense and suspension of the business license which can only be lifted until the violations are being corrected.

The city government through the city council has allocated an initial fund of P500, 000 for the operating expenses of the enforcement and implementation of the ordinance.

The city through the task force shall also provide the necessary auxiliary services that will restore the patients’ social functioning and participation in community affairs.

These auxiliary services shall include education campaign or cancer awareness campaign program, discounted or free annual medical check-up, discounted or free laboratory examinations and other medical procedures to monitor their health conditions.

 Services can be availed upon presentation of the Unified Cancer Identification Card to be issued by the task force. — THE FREEMAN