'A'ali'i is a reporter with KITV. He was born and raised on the island of Maui and graduated from the University of Southern California with a bachelor's degree in Journalism.
Two new health centers are opening up on Maui this week, and isle physicians say the facilities are especially needed for patients with cancer and other complex conditions on the Valley Isle because of the limited healthcare resources.
MAUI COUNTY, Hawai'i (Island News) -- Two new health centers are opening up on Maui this week, and isle physicians say the facilities are especially needed for patients with cancer and other complex conditions on the Valley Isle because of the limited healthcare resources.
The two ambulatory infusion centers, developed under a partnership between Hawai'i Specialty Pharmacy and Maui Care Physicians, will be located in Upcountry Maui and Wailuku.
"As a medical oncologist, I saw the need to have more medical options available for our 'ohana here on Maui," Dr. Cecilia Choi, of Maui Care Physicians, said.
Care providers involved with the treatment centers pointed out the two new locations are critical for patients impacted by the August fires.
"Some of them have lost their homes, they have lost families, some of them lost their businesses, so it's just another kick in the stomach for them if they have to travel to the mainland to get their care, especially cancer care," Choi added.
According to Choi, over the past 5 years, about 10% to 15% of patients have to go to O’ahu for treatment. And in other cases, to the mainland.
But even traveling to O’ahu is sometimes not an option, Choi explained, because of how inundated their healthcare facilities can get.
"And because of that we said 'you know, we have to make sure that the patients in Maui are able to receive the treatments here," Choi said.
A grand opening for the two new centers is scheduled for Thursday evening.
'A'ali'i is a reporter with KITV. He was born and raised on the island of Maui and graduated from the University of Southern California with a bachelor's degree in Journalism.
