By Daniel Tyokia
The former Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, has advised medical experts against keeping cancer patients that are beyond their capacity to handle.
He, therefore, called on them to always refer cancer patients to the appropriate centres for prompt treatment.
He gave the advice during the unveiling of the National Institute of Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), in Abuja, on Tuesday.
“Refer to the appropriate centre. If you cannot manage, please don’t sit on the patient and we are trying to popularize the treatment guidelines.
“The NCAA guideline is now available for us to develop the harmonise guideline for Africa where we try to match the guideline with the resources that are available within our environment and we kept updating it.
“As at the last count, we have update over 54 treatment guidelines for sub-Sahara Africa. So there a lot there for people to learn from,” the former Minister said.
While advocating for early detection of cancers for easy management, Prof. Adewole said: “Cancer is preventable and treatable during its early stage, and Nigerians deserve this and more.”
He regretted that most cancer patients in Nigeria pay out-of-pocket, hence, called for the integration of all forms of cancers in Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
“Available records indicate that about 72-80% of cancer patients in Nigeria pay out of pocket for their care; an action not in tandem with reality since many are unable to afford it.
“For instance, breast surgery typically costs around N250,000-an amount far beyond the reach of most patients The economic loss due to cancer in Nigeria was estimated at over $5Billion in 2019.
“While the alarming rate of death from cancer points to the state of medical institutions in Nigeria, it is important for critical stakeholders to understand the danger the disease poses to the future of our country. It is bad enough that cancer is a terminal disease, it is worse when most Nigerian medical centres lack the diagnostic capacity to quickly detect and treat cancer infections.
“That should encourage discussions on how to fashion both preventive and curative solutions at all levels of the society.”
The former minister insisted that: “It is good the country’s healthcare system is tilting towards UCH with the establishment of the Basic Health Care Provisions Fund (BHCPF) and health insurance schemes under the NHIA at both the national and state levels.
“There is a need to integrate cancer care into all UHC programmes since poor Nigerians cannot pay out of pocket.
“This framework must ensure Nigerians, irrespective of location, get unfettered access to healthcare services for diagnosis, treatment, and management of cancer, while the governments expands the Cancer Health Fund and set aside resources from the insurance pool, funding to tackle their challenges.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Health, Engr. Engr. Funso Adebiyi, assured the support of the Federal Ministry of Health to NICRAT to enable it grow fast for the good of all Nigerians.
“Of course, we pledge our support, we will always be there for you. NICRAT will get every support that it requires to grow big as they continue.
“We thank groups who were in support of the establishment of NICRAT. They must have worked at the background,” the Permanent Secretary who was represented by the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP), Dr Okpako Okpikpi, said.
He further said: “This is our day because what joy will the father had, especially on the day of dedication. On this day, we are unveiling our child for the whole world to rejoice with us. Our joy at the federal ministry of health knows no bounds at the unveiling of the NICRAT. It is now a seal deal. “
On his part, the Director General of NICRAT. Prof. Usman Malami Aliyu, commended the Federal Government for establishing the Institute, which, according to him, will aimed at improving cancer research and treatment in Nigeria.
“Today’s meeting brings together a diverse group of experts, healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers, pharmaceutical companies, patient advocates, and many others who have dedicated their lives to combating cancer.
“Your presence here reflects your unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of those affected by this disease.
“Today’s agenda provides a unique opportunity to network, establish new partnerships, and strengthen existing relationships.
“The power of collaboration cannot be overstated,” he said.
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