The Federal Government has outlined plans to establish a Catastrophic Health Insurance scheme designed to support individuals facing serious medical conditions such as cancer, sickle cell disease, and end-stage renal disease.
This initiative, announced by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, during a media briefing in Abuja to mark World Cancer Day 2025, aims to improve access to life-saving treatments. The insurance plan will be implemented in line with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act of 2022 and will be supported by the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) and other financing mechanisms.
The government is taking steps to ensure that cancer diagnosis and treatment are available across all Federal Tertiary Hospitals. As part of this effort, six Federal Teaching Hospitals will receive Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine facilities, with three set to become operational by May 2025, and the remaining three expected to be completed before World Cancer Day 2026.
Dr. Salako emphasized that the administration is committed to making comprehensive cancer treatment accessible nationwide by 2030, aligning with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) goal to reduce preventable cancer deaths globally. To encourage more widespread treatment availability, state and local governments will be given incentives to participate in cancer care initiatives.
Additionally, the government has established a 35-member Nuclear Medicine Technical Working Group (NM-TWG) to develop strategies for improving nuclear medicine services across the country.
The National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) is spearheading several initiatives aimed at enhancing cancer prevention and treatment. These include:
- Training healthcare workers across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to improve early detection and prevention efforts.
- Introducing preventive oncology clinical services as part of the healthcare system.
- Advancing research in cancer genomics, which involves studying genetic mutations in common cancers to develop more targeted treatments.
Despite these advancements, concerns remain over the N150 million allocation for the Cancer Health Fund (CHF) in the 2025 Appropriation Bill. Prof. Abidemi Omonisi, President of the Nigeria Cancer Society (NCS), pointed out that cancer treatment can cost between N15 million and N25 million, making it unaffordable for many Nigerians. He also called for a broader scope in funding to cover lesser-known cancers and urged state governments to play a more active role in cancer care.
The WHO Country Representative, Dr. Walter Mulombo, highlighted the need for a patient-focused approach to cancer treatment, ensuring that healthcare systems consider not just the disease itself but also the experiences of patients and their families.
World Cancer Day 2025, themed “United by Unique,” reinforces the importance of collective action in tackling cancer, improving awareness, and strengthening healthcare systems.
Stay connected for more updates on health and policy developments.
