The Federal Government has urged Nigerians undergoing cancer treatment to register with the National Health Insurance Authority, NHIA, to gain access to financial assistance for costly medications and treatment.
The Osun State Coordinator agency, Olakekan Falode made the appeal during a sensitisation programme held at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex, Ile-Ife.
He highlighted the importance of health insurance, particularly in managing life-threatening conditions like cancer.
Falode explained that health insurance is now mandatory in Nigeria and presented a sustainable approach to managing the rising costs associated with cancer care.
The programme also marked the formal introduction of the NHIA-Roche cost-sharing initiative in Osun State, a collaborative effort between the Federal Government and Roche, a global pharmaceutical company.
Falode further noted that new enrollees can immediately benefit from Roche’s 50 per cent subsidy, even before their NHIA registration is fully processed.
In his remarks, the Chief Medical Director of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Professor John Okeniyi, praised the NHIA-Roche initiative, describing it as a model for effective public-private partnerships.
Prof Okeniyi expressed he believe that such collaborations would significantly improve cancer management and follow-up care in Nigeria.
