Feyisayo Ogunbiyi
The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to subsidise the cost of cancer treatment and make cancer screening free for Nigerians, following alarming global statistics on cancer diagnoses.
This resolution was passed during Wednesday’s plenary session after a motion was moved by Hon. Aderemi Oseni, who represents Oyo State.
Oseni expressed grave concern over the rising number of cancer cases and the burden it places on citizens and the healthcare system.
Citing recent data from the World Health Organization (WHO), Oseni noted that at least 40 people are diagnosed with cancer every minute globally.
“The scourge of cancer is fast spreading amongst Nigerians, with reports revealing that in 2020, about 125,000 people were diagnosed with cancer,” he said.
He further stressed that the financial burden of cancer treatment remains out of reach for many Nigerians.
“The cost of cancer treatment varies from tens of millions of naira to hundreds of thousands of dollars per year, depending on the type, stage, and treatment required,” Oseni stated.
According to the lawmaker, the limited availability of radiotherapy machines and treatment centres in the country worsens the situation, making it seem like cancer survival is a privilege of the wealthy.
“But that is no longer the case, as both the poor and the rich are being affected in increasing numbers,” he added.
Oseni emphasised that the government has a constitutional responsibility to ensure the health and welfare of its citizens. He said public funding remains the most sustainable and equitable means of addressing the growing demand for cancer care.
He therefore called on the federal government to expand access by increasing the number of radiotherapy machines, treatment centres, and ensuring free screening services across the country.
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