Cancer Control Programme. Image:leadership.ng
Cancer treatment to be covered by health insurance – FG.
On Monday, the Federal Government announced that efforts to incorporate cancer treatment under the National Health Insurance Plan were still underway.
According to the government, this was done to guarantee that residents with cancer will receive appropriate and reasonably priced medical care.
Uche Nwokwu, the National Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Health’s Cancer Control Programme, revealed this at the World Cancer Day 2024 Celebration and Cancer Awareness Summit, organised by the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association.
According to Nwokwu, the government established the Cancer Health Funds, which offer patients comprehensive cancer treatment.
He claims that more than 750 patients are currently receiving funding out of the 2,445 patients who have registered for the programme.
He stated, “We recognise that the pockets of impacted families and communities are among the main things that cancer affects.
Anybody can become impoverished due to disease, and no one can afford cancer treatment on their own anywhere in the world, not only in Nigeria.
One of the main ways that people can afford to evaluate and pay for care is through health insurance, which is why the government is working to make sure it is covered.
“We also recognise that not everyone now has health insurance, so the government has established what it refers to as cancer health funds, which offer all-inclusive cancer treatment.
More than 2,445 patients are registered as of right now, and more than 750 have received funding. The National Hospital serves as the fund’s main location and offers surgery, chemotherapy, and therapy treatments.
The minister has also given us the authority to travel the entire nation. “In order to lower the prices of chemotherapies, which are also highly expensive, the government also cooperated with several NGOs and other sector players.”
“Without a doubt, the lack of awareness, most especially, has serious consequences, as it prevents many people from seeking early diagnosis and prompt treatment,” stated Mariya Lagbaja, the wife of the chief of staff, in her remarks.
As we recall this incident, let’s not forget that we can change things by working together.
Through raising awareness, promoting routine screenings, and offering support to individuals impacted by the disease, we can help ensure that cancer no longer takes lives.