The federal government has the establishment of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) yesterday. The institute’s responsibilities include but are not limited to, regulating and coordinating public education campaigns, research initiatives, and policy-related operations.
The Federal Ministry of Health’s Permanent Secretary, Engineer Funso Adebiyi, said the institution will aid in efforts to prevent and control cancer. He stated this while speaking at the unveiling at an oncology stakeholders’ conference in Abuja.
The permanent secretary of the ministry’s National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP), Dr Okpako Okpikpi said –
The government will provide the institution with all the assistance it needed to fulfil its purpose.
Former Minister of Health Prof. Isaac Adewole unveiled the centre. He stated that according to the figures that are currently available-
72–80% of cancer patients in Nigeria pay out-of-pocket for their treatment.
He claimed that poor Nigerians cannot afford to pay for their treatment this way. As a result, cancer care must be incorporated into all Universal Health Coverage (UHC) plans.
According to him, this framework must ensure that all Nigerians, regardless of where they live, have unrestricted access to healthcare services for cancer diagnosis, management, and treatment, even as the government increases the Cancer Health Fund and sets aside funds from the insurance pool to address their problems.
He stated that-
“Cancer is preventable and treatable during its early stage, and Nigerians deserve this and more. While the alarming rate of deaths 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.”
Dr Usman Malami Aliyua, Director General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), noted that a wide range of experts, healthcare workers, researchers, policymakers, representatives from pharmaceutical companies, patient advocates, and many other people who have dedicated their lives to fighting cancer was present at the meeting.
cc: Daily Post Ng
