The National Party is being accused of failing to fulfil a pre-election promise of funding 13 new cancer drugs. Among them is a drug for lung cancer, which could extend the life of one terminal patient by up to three years. Without it, she has just months to live. She feels let down by the Government. National correspondent Amanda Gillies has this exclusive report.
She's just 69-years-old but already the clock to death is ticking loudly for Jeannie Lauti. She can slow it down, but it costs a lot money that she doesn’t have.
"It’s getting pretty desperate; the toll is pretty hard," says the softly-spoken grandmother.
That toll is financial and emotional. At various times during her interview with Newshub, at her new retirement home in Christchurch, she fights back tears.
"Yeah, this is important," Lauti pauses, her voice breaking.
A non-smoker, Lauti was diagnosed with advanced lung cancer about six weeks ago – she had a cough and thought she had long COVID-19.
But a CT scan, following an x-ray, revealed the devastating news.
"I was shocked. But the actual moment when she said you have advanced lung cancer, it’s not curable, we can’t do surgery, we can only offer treatment, that was devastating," she said.
The best treatment for Lauti is Osimertinib – with it, her life extends up to three years, without it, it could be over in months.
But it costs about $100,000 a year for a full cycle. Health insurance only covers $10,000. So, Lauti must stump up the rest.
"It’s an expensive drug but it does have a far better outcome both in survival level and the quality of life you get from it because there are far less side effects," she said.
The drug is among the 13 cancer treatments that National promised to pay for – in the lead up to the election - to lift survival rates. Here’s what Christopher Luxon said back then:
"I don’t want New Zealanders leaving the country, I don’t want New Zealanders mortgaging their home. I don’t want New Zealanders raising Give-a-litte pages so if we can access those 13 cancer treatments, that’s a good sign," he said in August 2023.
But fast forward to today – and here’s the problem. Lauti has a Give-a-Little Page, her house is being sold, and she’s withdrawing her KiwiSaver to help fund the medication.
"I am really disappointed. This drug is the answer to the problem," she said.
Newshub asked the Prime Minister on Thursday whether the drugs be in the next budget.
"You will have to wait for the Budget but we are committed to that," Luxon said.
"We have a lot to work through... We know there are more cancer drugs that need to get into the system, we will have more on that in the coming months."
But the Labour Party isn't convinced.
"Christopher Luxon talked a big game in opposition, he's still talking a big game now as if he is still in opposition, he isn't," said opposition leader Chris Hipkins.
"He's been Prime Minister for six months now, I think New Zealanders want to see him delivering on the promises that he made them."
Lauti wants the Government to take a leaf out of Australia's medical book.
"I believe in Australia; a pensioner only needs to pay $6.50 a month for this drug. Yet we are faced with this huge bill, this financial toll."
With the end of life nearing, Lauti wishes she could focus all her energy and attention on her grandchildren, something she says is priceless.
You can donate to Jeannie Lauti's Give-a-Little Page here.
