The cost of survival

A LOW-BUDGET 2018 movie from China, Dying to Survive, will hopefully make history for saving many lives around the world.

Based on a real-life story in China, the movie focuses on the inability to access expensive, effective cancer drugs which are widely available. We in Malaysia share the same problem and heartache. This emotional movie has forced a response from the China government, whose subsequent renegotiations with the pharmaceutical industry have led to a reduction in the price of 17 lifesaving cancer drugs. In return, these corporations have been offered greater access to the China market. Tariffs have been lifted and health insurance coverage has also been expanded to include these drugs.