FG To Subsidize Cancer Treatments Through Health Insurance Scheme

The National Coordinator, Cancer Control Programme, Federal Ministry of Health, Uche Nwokwu, on Monday, said efforts were ongoing to include cancer treatment in the National Health Insurance Scheme.

Nwokwu, at the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association Cancer Awareness Summit, in commemoration of the Year 2024 World Cancer Day said the decision was to ease the financial brunt on the patients.

He said, “We understand that one of the major things cancer affects is the pockets of the affected families and communities. Cancer is capable of impoverishing anybody. Nobody has the capacity on their own to afford cancer care 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 areas that people can afford to assess the care and pay for it”.

Recall that the National Cancer Control Plan 2018–2022 had earlier said cancer causes 72,000 annual deaths in Nigeria, with approximately 102,000 new cases each year.

Speaking on compliance with the new policy, Nwoku said, “Over 2,445 patients are registered and over 750 have been funded since not everybody is on the health insurance, the FG has provided what is called cancer health funds,

“The fund provides comprehensive cancer care, treatment for surgery, chemotherapy, and therapy and its centre is at the National Hospital.

Nwoku added that the government has partnered with some NGOs and other sector players to reduce the costs of chemotherapies while noting that the minister has mandated immediate awareness across the country.

The Wife of the Chief of Army Staff, Mariya Lagbaja, noted that limited access to quality healthcare facilities, financial restrictions faced by patients, and limited awareness have widened the care gap for cancer patients.

Lagbaja said, “As we commemorate this event, let us remember that our collective efforts have the power to 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 claims lives.”