The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), in collaboration with Roche, a pharmaceutical company, has introduced subsidised cancer medications at the Usmanu Danfodio University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto (UDUTH).
Atiku device coalition [ADC]: Old Sinners in new cassock, By Kassim Afegbua
Mr Bashir Isa-Ubandawaki, NHIA Coordinator, disclosed this during the official onboarding of UDUTH’s oncology cost-sharing initiative on Wednesday in Sokoto.
Isa-Ubandawaki explained that the initiative was part of the Federal Government’s effort to enhance access to cancer medications and improve patient care at affordable rates.
He stressed that the programme aimed to reduce the financial burden on families and bridge the equity gap in cancer treatment.
He expressed optimism that the initiative would significantly improve the affordability and accessibility of cancer care for Nigerians, noting that all registered NHIA enrolees were eligible to benefit across the country.
A representative from Roche, Ms. Dara Olatoke, said the initiative was designed to provide high-quality services to all Nigerians under both the formal and informal NHIA enrolment schemes.
She highlighted that the therapies included in the initiative were part of Roche’s product lineup.
Olatoke explained that under the cost-sharing arrangement, Roche would cover 50 per cent of the medication cost; NHIA would contribute 30 per cent, while the patient would be responsible for the remaining 20 per cent.
She added that Roche’s goal was to make life-saving medications more accessible and protect patients from the financial hardship that often followed a cancer diagnosis.
In his remarks, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of UDUTH, Prof. Anas Sabir, described the initiative as a welcome development, acknowledging the high cost and complexity of cancer treatment in Nigeria.
Sabir was represented by the Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), Prof. Usman Sani.
He noted that the partnership marked a significant milestone in addressing the growing cancer burden in the region.
He assured that the hospital had made adequate arrangements for a smooth implementation of the programme, including an upgraded data management system to support its success.
Sabir also encouraged Roche to explore further partnerships with other pharmaceutical companies to expand treatment and medication options.
Dr Abdulkadir Hassan, Head of Research, Standard and Quality Assurance Department, NHIA Sokoto, added that cancer service centres had been expanded from seven to 24 health institutions across all six geopolitical zones of the country.
He said the programme also included seminars, workshops, and infrastructural upgrades to support its objectives.
Hassan noted that individual payment platforms, supervision mechanisms, and administrative processes had been streamlined, with financial and bureaucratic hurdles prioritised for resolution to ensure the programme’s success.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the onboarding session included interactive discussions, questions and answers, proposed solutions, and anticipated challenges related to the initiative.
(NAN)
Stay ahead with the latest updates! Join The ConclaveNG on WhatsApp and Telegram for real-time news alerts, breaking stories, and exclusive content delivered straight to your phone. Don’t miss a headline — subscribe now!
, in collaboration with Roche, a pharmaceutical company, has introduced subsidised cancer medications at the Usmanu Danfodio University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto (UDUTH).){kind=link}