… aims to alleviate financial burden associated with cancer treatment
… highlights mandatory health insurance for all Nigerians
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Miss Daju Kachollom has disclosed that the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) is set to commence the enrollment of all Nigerians including cancer patients for health insurance.
This followed the announcement which was made at a symposium that was organized by the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) on Sunday, in Abuja, commemorating the 2024 World Cancer Day, with the theme “Close the care gaps: Operationalising the National Strategic Cancer Control Plan”.
The Permanent Secretary stressed that enrolling cancer patients in the health insurance programs would drastically contribute in alleviating the financial burden that is associated with cancer treatment in the nation.
While addressing the impact of cancer in Nigeria, Kachollom enumerated the prevalence of cancer in Nigeria, noting that there is a need for concerted effort in battling the health issue.
She also pointed out that the enrollment scheme would render help in combating the disease.
Kachollom emphasized that enrolling cancer patients in health insurance programmes would significantly contribute to addressing the financial burden associated with cancer care in the country.
She further highlighted the mandatory health insurance for all Nigerians according to the NHIA Act 2022, which would serve as a means towards achieving universal healthcare coverage.
Additionally, Kachollom reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval for the provision of new Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine facilities for six Federal Teaching Hospitals across Nigeria which was stated in the 2024 Appropriation Act.
Addressing the global impact of cancer, Kachollom acknowledged the rising prevalence of cancer in Nigeria, maintaining the need for concerted efforts to combat the health menace.
She pointed out the gaps in the country’s response, such as challenges in early diagnosis and limited access to quality care.
Kachollom also commended the establishment of NICRAT in 2023, hailing it as a very crucial moment in the National cancer control strategy.
The Director-General of National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, (NICRAT), Prof. Usman Aliyu, reiterated the urgent need to reduce the disparities evident in cancer care and its treatment while also highlighting the institute’s achievement towards combating cancer since its establishment.
