Expert wants cancer treatment captured by NHIS

A medical expert, Dr. Tunji Omotayo, has joined in the call for the inclusion of cancer in ailments captured by the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and also advocated  investment in the treatment of cancer in Nigeria,  so as to reduce the cases in the society.

Dr. Omotayo, who is a consultant at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), gave the charge while speaking at a workshop to commemorate the 2017 World Cancer Day, held at the Funmilayo Adunni Olayinka Women Development Centre in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

He also called on the NHIS to incorporate the treatment of cancer cases in their schemes, so that the people can get access to good health care without delay.

He noted that incorporating cancer in NHIS would capture more people in the treatment covered in the scheme and enable more Nigerians access treatment and care.

He said non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and public spirited persons must invest in radiotherapy machines mostly used in the treatment of cancer patients in the country.

He lamented that there were less than seven of the machines while less than five of the machines are currently working in Nigeria, saying this is regrettable and must be tackled urgently.

Also, another consultant, Dr. Akinyemi Akintayo, described cancer as the commonest disease that kills, adding that it is a worldwide problem.

However, “early detection by the individual is the key to cancer-free society”, Dr Akintayo charged.

He advised all women to constantly check their body/breast for any lump or blood stain and to see a medical expert immediately for advice and treatment.   He warned that the number of cancer cases is increasing daily in Nigeria and said all hands must be on deck to tackle the menace.

Both experts were of the  view that “cancer, if detected at the early stage, the patient can get cure but after spreading to other parts of the body, it can be a hopeless situation.”