In a significant move to make cancer treatment more affordable, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has launched a cost-sharing initiative, subsidising up to N400,000 for eligible cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy.
Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, NHIA’s Director-General, disclosed this in Abuja on Wednesday, during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in commemoration of World Cancer Day.
“This initiative is part of the authority’s broader strategy to make cancer treatment more accessible and affordable for Nigerians,” Ohiri stated.
Recognising the high cost of radiotherapy—an essential treatment, particularly in advanced cancer cases—Ohiri revealed that NHIA would cover 50 per cent of radiotherapy expenses, up to a maximum of N400,000.
He further explained that NHIA’s collaboration with multiple oncology facilities across Nigeria aims to enhance access to quality radiotherapy services.
“The authority is also focused on increasing the number of accredited radiotherapy centres, strengthening collaborations with pharmaceutical and medical equipment companies, and ensuring modern radiotherapy technology is available nationwide,” he added.
Beyond radiotherapy, NHIA is expanding its coverage of oncology services under its formal sector programme and the Group Individual and Family Social Health Insurance Programme (GIFSHIP). The services covered include access to diagnostic tools such as tumour marker assays, MRI, CT scans, mammography, ultrasound, histology, and endoscopy. Additionally, surgeries like mastectomies and prostatectomies, as well as chemotherapy drugs under the NHIA’s cost-sharing model, are part of the scheme.
Ohiri highlighted NHIA’s ongoing collaborations with pharmaceutical companies, including Roche Limited and Pfizer, to facilitate cost-sharing for oncology medications.
“This initiative has already benefited over 200 patients receiving care at seven tertiary care centres across the country. NHIA is working to expand its partnerships with other pharmaceutical companies to broaden access to cancer treatments,” he said.
He further stated that NHIA is prioritising the development of a sustainable healthcare infrastructure for cancer care by contracting service providers capable of offering comprehensive oncology services, expanding access to advanced diagnostic services, and increasing the number of accredited oncology centres nationwide.
Dr. Adamu Umar, former President of the Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS), commended NHIA for the initiative, describing it as a significant step in improving access to cancer care.
“The NHIA’s initiative is a step in the right direction, and more patients must benefit from such programmes,” Umar said.
He emphasised that radiotherapy is crucial, especially for patients in advanced stages, and that the NHIA’s cost-sharing model would help ease the financial strain on both patients and their families.
