FG To Include Cancer Treatment In Insurance Scheme

Federal Government on Monday said efforts were ongoing to include cancer treatment in the National Health Insurance Scheme.

This is to ensure adequate and affordable healthcare services for citizens diagnosed with cancer.

National Coordinator, Cancer Control Programme, Federal Ministry of Health, UcheNwokwu, disclosed this at the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association Cancer Awareness Summit, in commemoration of the Year 2024 World Cancer Day.

Nwokwu noted that the government has in place the Cancer Health Funds which provides comprehensive cancer care for patients.

According to him, over 2,445 patients had been registered for the scheme while over 750 patients are currently being funded.

Nwoku added that the government had also entered into partnerships with Non-governmental Organisations to subsidise the cost of chemotherapies.

Wife of the Chief of Army Staff, MariyaLagbaja, noted that lack of awareness and access to quality health care among others have widened the care gap for cancer patients.

She, however, urged Nigerians to undergo regular screenings and actively participate in raising awareness about the disease.

Cancer is a disease in which some of the body’s cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body.