The Chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association Cancer Committee, Dr Sunday Omoya, has said that Nigeria needs N92bn to provide diagnosis and treatment to cancer patients in the country. Omoya spoke during a briefing recently held in Abuja by the NMA as part of the events marking World Cancer Day. Faduyile added that in this year’s budget, the Federal Government voted 4.3 per cent of the budget for the health sector, while also expressing doubt over government’s readiness to part with the funding needed to fight cancer effectively.
Speaking during an advocacy visit to the Chairman of the House Representatives Committee on Health care Services, Yusuf Sununu, the association emphasised the importance of having a clear policy on cancer care in Nigeria.
He said, “There should be implementation of the National Cancer Control Plan 2018-2022 and effective funding of cancer care and research. There should also be a comprehensive approach to cancer prevention, screening and treatment in the country. There is a need for the inclusion of cancer care in the National Health Insurance Scheme.”
Faduyile said the association appreciated the inclusion of N728 million in the 2020 budget to facilitate the treatment of indigent patients with cervical, breast and prostate cancers. He added that there was also a need to enact a policy on cancer care in Nigeria, which will include a massive awareness campaign and effective national screening.
“There should be a well-equipped cancer treatment centre in each geo-political zone of the country to prevent the need to travel long distance for cure or outside Nigeria,” he noted.
source: Punch
