Patients battling cancer are urging the Federal Government to provide free treatment, similar to the support available for those with HIV/AIDS.
The patients made their appeal at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika.
Hussaina Yakubu, a Kaduna-based journalist with the News Agency of Nigeria, lost her twin sister to throat cancer six months ago. Witnessing the struggles cancer patients endure, she decided to support them financially.
At Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika, Hussaina donated 30 thousand naira each to 25 cancer patients. She explained that her gesture was to help those struggling with the disease to ease their financial burden
Professor Hamid Umdagas, Chief Medical Director of ABUTH, while noting that the federal government provides support for patients with prostate, cervical, and breast cancers urged individuals and organisations to also give similar support
Anna Kambai, a cancer patient, described the disease as a silent killer and appealed to the government to make cancer treatment free, similar to HIV/AIDS treatment.
Since the National Health Insurance Scheme does not offer a comprehensive cancer coverage, the patients are grateful for any financial assistance, that would help cover some treatment costs.
Editor : Ena Agbanoma
