Tony Ryall, Health Minister of New Zealand, announces that he will devote himself to win the challenge to reduce the timeframe for cancer patient treatment.

The minister declares that from January, the cancer victims who require radiation measures would get it within four weeks, which is the international standard waiting time in Canada, Australia and Great Britain, instead of previously six weeks in New Zealand.

Cancer represents one of the biggest disease threats for New Zealanders, causing thousands of deaths every year and dividing families. Treatment delays severely influence the curing chances. Faster treatment possibilities are therefore on the top-list of the Government agenda.

Already since March this year, the Northern Regional Cancer Centre achieved to treat up to 80%-90% of their patients within a period of four weeks. This achievement is due to accurate planning and hard work among medical staff.

In order to further support Northern Cancer Centre to achieve 100% rates for all patients receiving cancer treatments, the Government contributed extra funds of $300,000. The Government congratulates the Northern Cancer Centre and underlines that the Health Ministry will completely devoted to fight cancer in New Zealand and grants high amount of the health care budget for it.