On Monday, the Federal Government announced that it was working to include cancer treatment in the National Health Insurance Scheme. This would enable citizens who have cancer to access quality and affordable healthcare services.
The National Coordinator of the Cancer Control Programme at the Federal Ministry of Health, Uche Nwokwu, revealed this at the Cancer Awareness Summit organised by the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association, to mark the Year 2024 World Cancer Day.
Nwokwu said that the government had established the Cancer Health Funds, which offers comprehensive cancer care for patients. He said that more than 2,445 patients had enrolled in the scheme and over 750 patients were receiving funding.
He explained, “We know that cancer affects the finances of the affected families and communities. Cancer can make anyone poor. No one can afford cancer care on their own anywhere in the world, not just in Nigeria. “The government is taking steps to ensure that it is included in the health insurance, which is one of the major ways that people can afford to access and pay for the care. “We also know that not everyone is on health insurance yet, so the government has provided what they call cancer health funds. The fund provides comprehensive cancer care. As we speak, more than 2,445 patients are registered and over 750 are funded. The fund covers treatment for surgery, chemotherapy, and therapy and its centre is at the National Hospital. We also have the minister’s mandate to go across the country.”
Nwoku also said that the government had partnered with some Non-governmental Organisations to reduce the costs of chemotherapies, which are very expensive.
The Wife of the Chief of Army Staff, Mariya Lagbaja, pointed out that the care gap for cancer patients was widened by the lack of awareness and access to quality health care, among other factors.
Lagbaja said, “We are all aware that some of these factors include limited access to quality healthcare facilities, financial constraints faced by patients, and low awareness about the disease. “There is no doubt that the low awareness, especially, has serious implications, as it stops many people from seeking early diagnosis and prompt treatment.”
She, however, encouraged Nigerians to undergo regular screenings and actively participate in raising awareness about the disease.
Lagbaja said, “As we celebrate this event, let us remember that our collective efforts can make a difference. By spreading awareness, advocating for regular screenings, and supporting those affected by Cancer, we can contribute to a future where this disease no longer takes lives.”
Cancer is a disease in which some of the body’s cells grow out of control and spread to other parts of the body.
The National Cancer Control Plan (2018–2022) stated that cancer causes 72,000 deaths every year in Nigeria, with about 102,000 new cases each year.
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