On September 1, Yubin shared a lengthy message on her personal channel, writing, “Something heartbreaking has happened to a family member I dearly love, and I felt compelled to speak out.”
She revealed, “My eldest sister was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020 and has been fighting through years of difficult treatment. Unfortunately, the cancer metastasized to her brain last year, and she has been enduring painful battles every day.” Yubin continued, “Thankfully, we managed to find an effective treatment, but due to financial limitations, it has been nearly impossible for her to receive proper care. With a desperate wish to protect my sister, I am asking for your help.”
The petition Yubin referenced is titled: “Request for Health Insurance Coverage and Expedited Approval of Tukysa (Tucatinib) for Breast Cancer with Brain Metastases.” The petitioner explained, “Although Tukysa, a proven essential treatment for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer patients, was approved by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in December last year, its domestic sales remain indefinitely delayed. Patients in urgent need of treatment are forced to rely on costly private imports.”
The cost burden is staggering—two months of treatment with Tukysa can reach 30 million KRW, and since it must be combined with other anticancer drugs, annual treatment costs can soar to nearly 200 million KRW. Yet, it is still not covered by insurance. The petitioner stressed, “It is a tragedy that families must abandon life-saving medication approved by the state due to financial barriers. We earnestly appeal for urgent health insurance coverage for Tukysa.”
Yubin also attached the petition link, urging once again, “This is not just about my family. It is directly tied to whether countless other patients will be able to hold onto hope. I sincerely ask for your support and participation.”
Netizens reacted with an outpouring of encouragement: “Stay strong, Yubin. We hope for the best outcome,” “The reality is unbearably harsh—system reform is urgent,” and “I signed the petition. Hopefully, this helps.”
With Yubin’s heartfelt appeal, attention is now focused on how quickly this petition will gain traction and lead to meaningful change.
Sources: daum
You must be logged in to post a comment.