Cancer patients to get up to N400,000 radiotherapy support from NHIA

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has introduced a new cost-sharing programme to provide financial assistance to cancer patients requiring radiotherapy, with eligible patients now receiving up to N400,000 in support. Director-General Dr Kelechi Ohiri made this announcement in Abuja, stating that the initiative aims to make cancer treatment more affordable for Nigerians.

Under the programme, patients will enjoy a 50% reduction in the cost of radiotherapy, with NHIA's contribution capped at N400,000 per patient. This decision came about due to concerns over the escalating costs of cancer treatment, which have deterred many patients, especially those with advanced or serious cases, from accessing radiotherapy.

The NHIA is collaborating with oncology centres nationwide to enhance the availability and quality of radiotherapy services. Additionally, the authority plans to certify more treatment centres and improve cooperation with medical equipment suppliers and pharmaceutical companies to bolster access to advanced cancer care. While the focus of the programme is on radiotherapy, the NHIA is also expanding insurance coverage for other cancer-related services, including MRI, CT scans, mammography, ultrasound, histology, endoscopy, tumour marker tests, and certain cancer surgeries and chemotherapy drugs.

Over 200 cancer patients at seven tertiary health institutions across the country have already benefited from the medicine cost-sharing programme.