Maiduguri: Roche, an International pharmaceutical company, in collaboration with the National Healthcare Insurance Authority (NHIA), has unveiled subsidised cancer medication drugs at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH). Mr. Babarinde Olayode, Policy Lead at Roche International, made the announcement at the official launch of a price cut for cancer drugs by 80 per cent at UMTH.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Olayode stated that the initiative, designed and implemented in partnership between Roche and NHIA, aims to provide access to life-saving cancer care for patients enrolled under NHIA at a significantly reduced cost of 80 per cent. The initiative is currently operational in 24 centres nationwide, including UMTH, which facilitates cancer patients under health insurance to access quality medication at an affordable 20 per cent of the original cost.
Olayode elaborated that Roche would cover 50 per cent of the cost, NHIA would contribute 30 per cent, leaving the patient to pay only 20 per cent. This arrangement offers a subsidy and financial protection for patients. He highlighted that the initiative targets breast, cervical, prostate, and other cancers, which are major contributors to cancer-related deaths in the country. The subsidy is available to all cancer-diagnosed individuals who are NHIA enrollees.
In situations where patients are not enrolled in the NHIA scheme, they can receive a 50 per cent subsidy from Roche and cover the remaining 50 per cent themselves. On behalf of NHIA, Hajiya Sa’adatu Abdulwahab, an Assistant Director, encouraged uninsured cancer patients to join the basic healthcare funds in the state to benefit from the 80 per cent subsidy.
Prof. Ahmed Ahidjo, the Chief Medical Director of UMTH, praised Roche and NHIA for their efforts in providing affordable cancer medication. He urged NHIA to extend its support to other specialised areas within UMTH, which has about eight specialised centres requiring similar attention.