NIGERIA: Reps Urge FG To Implement Free Cancer Screening, Subsidised Treatment For Citizens

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria 

The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government (FG), to offer free cancer screening and subsidised treatment for patients at all stages of the disease.

This resolution followed a motion raised during Wednesday’s plenary session by Hon. Aderemi Oseni, who represents Ibarapa Central/Ido Federal Constituency of Oyo State under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Describing cancer as a growing public health crisis, Oseni noted that around 125,000 Nigerians were diagnosed with the disease in 2020 alone, with breasts, prostate, and cervical cancers being the most common.

He decried the exorbitant costs of cancer treatment, ranging from millions of naira to hundreds of thousands of dollars annually, making care inaccessible to many citizens.

He said: “Cancer is no longer just a disease of the rich. The poor and vulnerable are now equally at risk, yet unable to afford care.”

Oseni further pointed out that the scarcity of radiotherapy machines and the high cost of cancer medications have worsened the situation, forcing many patients to abandon treatment or seek alternatives abroad.

In its resolution, the House mandated its Committee on Healthcare Services to work with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and other relevant agencies to create a mechanism for subsidising cancer treatments and medications nationwide.

The House also urged the federal government to increase investment in cancer treatment infrastructure, including the establishment of more cancer centres and the procurement of additional radiotherapy machines.