The National Cancer Health Fund, NICRAT, has said delays in treatment approval, shortages of essential drugs and affordability issues are undermining the effectiveness of the organisation’s intervention in cancer care in Nigeria.
The Director of Clinical Services at NICRAT, Prof. Musa Gombe, noted the challenges during a presentation at the 8th Annual Conference of the Association of Nigerian Health Journalists, ANHEJ) in Abuja, with the theme; ‘‘Sector-Wide Approach Effectiveness in Addressing Poor Health Outcomes: The Role of the Media.”
Prof Gombe explained that despite the government’s effort to use NICRAT as a springboard to expand access to cancer treatment for low-income Nigerians, issues such as the availability of stocks due to foreign exchange volatility remain.
He, however, noted that the government agency is working on strategies to improve access to high-quality cancer treatment for indigent patients in Nigeria.
He said, ‘‘there is a six-month stock plan for chemotherapy drugs, which would ensure a steady supply of medications in spite of fluctuations in the Naira and challenges associated with importing these drugs.
“Through collaborations with pharmaceutical companies and hospitals, we are creating a robust system to address treatment delays, improve drug availability, and reduce costs for cancer patients across the country.”
However, reacting to allegations that many Nigerians do not know about the cancer intervention fund, Prof Gombe said NICRAT plans to take its campaign to the community to inform the populace using religious and traditional leaders.
‘‘Public awareness is key to the success of the fund. We will involve the hospitals and healthcare workers that there is this fund available so that those patients can also be referred there to access this care,” he stated.
