The House of Representatives has canvassed for more cancer treatment centers and free cancer screening services
The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to establish additional cancer treatment centers equipped with radiotherapy machines across Nigeria and to make cancer screening services free of charge.
This resolution followed the adoption of a motion moved by Rep. Aderemi A. Oseni (APC Oyo), during plenary on Wednesday.
In presenting the motion, Rep. Oseni described cancer as a growing public health crisis in Nigeria, stressing that the rising cost of treatment is putting care out of reach for many patients.
“The scourge of cancer is fast spreading among Nigerians,” he said. “Reports show that in 2020, about 125,000 people were diagnosed with various types of cancer, with breast, prostate, and cervical cancers being the most common.”
Oseni noted that treatment costs can range from tens of millions of naira to hundreds of thousands of dollars annually, depending on the type and stage of cancer, treatment methods, and the patient’s medical history.
He expressed concern over the limited availability of radiotherapy machines and the expensive, complex supply chain for cancer medications, which has made cancer treatment unaffordable for many Nigerians. “There’s a dangerous perception that cancer is a disease for the rich or a death sentence. That is no longer the case. It affects both the rich and the poor,” he said.
Oseni emphasized the need for public funding, describing it as the most sustainable and equitable way to finance cancer care and ease the burden on patients.
Adopting the motion, the House mandated its Committee on Healthcare Services to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and other relevant agencies to develop a framework for federal intervention. The House Committee on Legislative Compliance was also tasked with ensuring implementation of the resolution.
Cancer treatment centers in Nigeria
Nigeria currently has nine government-owned cancer treatment centers, but six new, modern centers are being developed as part of a major federal initiative to improve access and quality of cancer care.
According to the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, these new centers are being strategically located across the six geopolitical zones to enhance national coverage.
The six cancer treatment centers under the new federal initiative are located at:
- Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Lagos
- Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria
- University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu
- Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina
- Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), Jos
- University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City.
The government said these centers will be equipped with advanced cancer treatment technology and are expected to significantly boost Nigeria’s capacity for cancer diagnosis and therapy.
Other existing government-owned centers include:
- National Hospital, Abuja
- University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan
- Usman Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto
- Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Gombe.
