COLLABORATE WITH PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES TO ADDRESS THE CANCER BURDEN
By Vincess Okushi
The Federal government of Nigeria is partnering with key Pharmaceutical Companies to enable the reduction of cancer medicines to about 50 percent.
This partnership is part of the government’s determination to guarantee affordable healthcare services in the country.
The Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa speaking on ‘Special insights from Nigeria’s Healthcare Sector and the Renewed Hope Agenda during the commemorate of World Cancer Day with the theme “Economy, Taxation and Cancer Control: The Exit of Pharmaceutical Companies from Nigeria.” in Abuja, said the various pharmaceutical companies are to reduce the cost of cancer chemotherapeutic drugs and ensure that some pharmaceutical companies such as Roche, Pfizer and a host of others comply.
The Minister while acknowledging the achievements recorded in the introduction of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine into the routine immunization system for prevention of cervical cancer, added that the Ministry will continue to encourage screening for cancer at all levels of the healthcare system.
WE WERE COLLABORATING WITH SOME OF THEM TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO CANCER PREVENTION, DIAGNOSIS, AND PALLIATIVE CARE.
WE ARE REVIEWING OUR PHARMACEUTICAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS TO ENCOURAGE LOCAL REPRODUCTION BY FOCUSING ON THE PHARMACEUTICAL VALUE CHAIN, CREATING A VERY ROBUST RELATIONSHIP WITH THE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY AND OTHER RELEVANT STAKEHOLDERS IN THE NIGERIA CANCER ECOSYSTEM.
Alausa also revealed that the Government in a bid to fulfil its mandate has perfected plans to set up a new cancer centre in each of the 6 geopolitical zones to facilitate seamless but procedural access to funds and eliminate barriers to treatment.
our indigenous biomedical engineers will be trained on the maintenance of equipment as part of the procurement agreement and technology transfer” adding that the Government has also provided a clear governance structure for the Cancer Fund for indigent Nigerians, as it would now be domiciled at the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) for effective disbursement while the Ministry continues to provide oversight.
Also, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu noted that frantic efforts are already in place to mitigate cancer challenges as well as taking cognizance of the exit of pharmaceutical companies in Nigeria.
the exit of pharmaceutical companies from Nigeria has created opportunities for effective and active entrepreneurship as it encourages for indigenous establishment of pharmaceutical companies which will promote socio-economic development and improve access to diagnosis affordable treatment and care.
On her part, the Executive Director, of Project Pink Blue, Rucie Chiebe commended the FG emphasizing the need for states to take up responsibility for the protection of cancer patients.
awareness creation and advocacy have helped to reduce the myths and misconceptions surrounding cancer.