……………..Plans Catastrophic Health Insurance.
……………..Inaugurated Nuclear Medicine Technical Working Group.
In a bold move to upscale it’s efforts to improve access to cancer care services, the Federal Government has finalized plans to establish and upgrade 6 Federal Teaching Hospitals with new Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine facilities across the country.
Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako Honourable Minister of State for Health & Social Welfare revealed while Addressing Journalists in commemoration of the 2025 World Cancer Day, held in the Ministry Headquarters Abuja.
Marked annually 4th February, themed: “United by Unique” with emphasis on “United in our goals, Unique in our needs”; Dr. Salako in his speech highlighted efforts and avowed commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for cancer prevention and care in Nigeria.
“The Government, he pointed out, has made substantial investment in cancer prevention and care within the last 18 months than any other administration in the history of our country”.
Aligning therefore with its National Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative NHSRII, the Government through the Ministry has recorded notable achievements in tackling cancers through primary prevention, vaccination, early detection and, prompt treatment, he further stated.
To this end, the HM affirmed the upgrading of 6 Federal Teaching Hospitals with new Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine facilities will eliminate cervical cancers and, other preventable cancers by the year 2030.
Riding on the above WHO global target, Dr. Salako stated three of the centers are planned for commissioning in May 2025 and, the remaining 3 will be commissioned on or before the 2026 World Cancer Day.
Additionally, the Federal government, he noted, through the National Health Insurance Authority NHIA has developed a policy plan to implement a Catastrophic Health Insurance, that will support patients with end stage renal diseases, sickle cell disease and cancers.
To actualize the initiative, the HM said: ” The Catastrophic Health Insurance will benefit from the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund ( BHCPF) and other funding mechanisms.
“The Ministry will give NHIA all the necessary support to seamlessly implement the Catastrophic Health Insurance”.
Speaking further on other unique achievements to address cancer, the HM highlighted the role of National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) in leading the Human Papilloma virus vaccination for primary prevention of cancer of the Cervix as well, the Hepatitis immunization for prevention of liver cancers.
“We have successfully immunized over 12 million girls for Human Papilloma virus and effort is ongoing to improve on the successes recorded so far”, Dr. Salako enthused.
On the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment NICRAT, the Honourable Minister disclosed that the body is working to ensure ease of access to the cancer health fund, expand its scope in terms of the types of cancers covered, including the Health institutions where they can be accessed.
A major highlight of the Ministerial Press briefing commemorating the 2025 World Cancer Day was the inauguration of a 35-member National Nuclear Medicine Technical Working Group NM-TWG by the Honourable Minister, to further strengthen government’s commitment on disease management including cancer.
While inaugurating the specialized technical committee, Dr. Salako stated it will serve as an advisory body to the Ministry on development of Nuclear Medicine and implementation of Nuclear Medicine services in the country.
The NM-TWG chaired by Dr. Ololade Kehinde, will comprise Nuclear Medicine Physicians, regulatory institutions and agencies involved in cancer care, financing and research bodies, civil society groups, equipment manufacturers, other relevant professional bodies and, cancer advocates.
During the Ministerial Press briefing, Several goodwill messages were delivered by international development and implementing partners as well as multilateral agencies and, non-governmental organizations whom the Honourable Minister commended for supporting Nigeria to improve cancer care in Nigeria.Dr Salako, particularly acknowledged and praised the World Health Organization WHO for including Nigeria as a focal country for Global Initiative for Childhood Cancers GICC, which was conveyed via memorandum sent to the Ministry. The import of this inclusion, he noted, is to support Nigeria in providing cancer care for children.
Signed
ALABA BALOGUN,
Deputy Director Information & Public Relations,
