Teacher with Lung Cancer in Concepción Races Against Time to Obtain Medicine Costing 58 Million Guaranis

Fabiola Valiente, 43, a teacher in Concepción, has been without lorlatinib 100 mg since May 15 and awaits a response from the Ministry of Health to a judicial protection request. The monthly treatment costs about 58.7 million guaranis and is unavailable at either IPS or the health ministry. Friends and family are organizing a charity raffle to raise funds.

Professora com câncer de pulmão em Concepção corre contra o tempo para conseguir medicamento de 58 milhões de guaranis
Professora com câncer de pulmão em Concepção corre contra o tempo para conseguir medicamento de 58 milhões de guaranis

Teacher Fabiola Valiente, 43, diagnosed with lung cancer, is in a race against time to resume treatment with lorlatinib 100 mg. She took the last dose of the medication on May 15 and, according to her doctor, cannot go more than three days without it. The drug, which costs approximately 58.7 million guaranis per month, is not available at either the Social Insurance Institute (IPS) or the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare (MSPyBS).

The family had already filed a judicial protection request to guarantee access to the drug, but due to delays, they had to file an urgent judicial motion. A response from the authorities is expected this week. “The doctor recommends I not go without the medication for less than three days,” Valiente said, concerned about the interruption of treatment.

So far, the family has managed to buy three boxes of lorlatinib with their own efforts, but the current financial situation makes it impossible to continue covering the monthly cost. To try to raise funds, colleagues, friends, and relatives are organizing a charity raffle in Concepción. Each number costs 10,000 guaranis, and the prize is an electric motorcycle. Those who wish to contribute can also contact the number (0971) 243-574.