The Nigerian Cancer Society says the country is still far behind in providing the necessary equipment and facilities for treating cancer patients. This was stated by the NCS President, Dr Adamu Alhassan Umar, during a courtesy visit to the ultramodern Asi Ukpo Comprehensive Cancer Centre in Calabar on Monday with his team of cancer experts.
While commending the leadership of the Centre for their efforts in addressing the cancer scourge, he noted that the burden of cancer was still alarming in Nigeria. Umar said that while the Federal Government has set up a National Institute of Cancer Research and Treatment to enhance timely data collection and advocacy, treatment was still very expensive not just for the poor, but the rich too.
He added, “We can address the fund gap by the government doing the needful in creating the right infrastructure and empowering organizations to push for effective cancer care. “The cancer health fund meant to cater for indigent breast, cervical and prostate cancer patients should be expanded to accommodate more cancers and more hospitals including private hospitals like Asi Ukpo Comprehensive Cancer Centre. “Part of our suggestions as a Civil Society Organization (CSO) is to have big cancer centers both public and privately owned, access this fund so that vulnerable Nigerians can benefit,” he said.
The Chairperson, Medical Women Association of Nigeria, Kaduna Chapter, Dr Aisha Mustapha, on her part, expressed delight that a private facility could provide comprehensive cancer care in Nigeria. “I see a High Dynamic Range (HDR), brachytherapy machine and a linac radiotherapy machine, which are state of the art,” she added. Mustapha, who is also a cancer advocate and survivor, said if more centers like Asi Ukpo Comprehensive Cancer Centre in Nigeria were available in the country, it would help the teeming women who need proper and effective cancer care.
Responding, the Executive Director of the Centre, Mr Yegwa Ukpo, said he felt honored by the visit of the society, noting that it is an acknowledgement of the center’s contributions to the cancer space. He, however, said it was not yet over as they were still looking at expanding the Centre to become a one-stop-shop for a cancer care facility for pediatric cancer, brachytherapy, surgeries and even radiotherapy for non-carcinogenic purposes. He highlighted a major challenge they have faced over the years to include patients not being able to afford cancer care while noting that they are trying to see ways of linking to the Federal Government’s Cancer Health Fund to make treatment more accessible. Ukpo added that funds to expand the Center to a world-class, one-stop-shop for cancer care was also a challenge they are working hard and hoping to surmount.
