The Nigerian government has been told to include full cancer treatment in the National Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS.
The chairperson, first ladies against cancer, Amina Bello, who said this during a meeting with partners in Abuja, noted that the high cost of treatment has further Impoverished those suffering from the ailment
The month of October every year is set aside to raise awareness on cancer and its deadly effects. Nigeria, no doubt, has one of the highest number of cancer cases. Research also shows that poor awareness coupled with an underlying weak health system have contributed greatly to the high morbidity and morality in the country.
The Advocacy group, Nigeria’s first ladies against cancer, whose goal is to increase awareness and access to care, wants the Nigerian government to include full cancer treatment in the health insurance scheme.
At the Abuja meeting, the spokesperson of the group, Amina Bello, noted that the NHIS has failed to cover some key services which are themselves very expensive and have continued to milk many cancer patients of their meagre resources.
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To reduce the burden, therefore, they pledged their commitment to dealing with cancer diseases while appealing for more sustainable partnerships to ensure the success of efforts at all levels in Nigeria.
The women agree that the effort is a huge challenge but insist that the time to act is now!
Editor:Paul Akhagbemhe
