Private sector key to better cancer care in Nigeria, NICRAT DG

The Director-General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), Usman Aliyu, has said the private sector is crucial for improving healthcare systems and reducing cancer cases in Nigeria.

Mr Aliyu made this statement on Wednesday in Abuja at a two-day event called the Stakeholder Engagement and Capacity Building Programme. The event was organized by Innova Healthcare Nigeria Ltd. and was themed "Innova Healthcare Nigeria, Bringing the Total Oncology Solution."

He explained that real progress in cancer control needs partnerships, new ideas, and ongoing investment in all areas of cancer care. He added that working together is necessary to make quality treatment available to everyone in the country.

The NICRAT boss called the event a vital step in advancing cancer control in Nigeria. He noted that new technologies are changing how diagnosis, treatment, and healthcare delivery work.

"Today’s activities give an insight into what Innova is doing. Indirectly, it is a kind of human resource development and assistance to the country in strengthening the operational capability of doctors," he said.

Mr Aliyu highlighted that public-private partnerships (PPP) are already making radiotherapy services better. He mentioned that many cancer centers in Nigeria operate through these partnerships.

He said nearly half of the radiotherapy centers providing cancer treatment in Nigeria use PPP models. This shows how important the private sector is becoming in cancer care.

He added that NICRAT, through the Nigeria Cancer Access Partnership (NCAP) and the National Cancer Health Fund (NCHF), has helped over 10,000 Nigerians with treatment, diagnostics, and essential medicines.

Mr Aliyu also said that more than 2,000 healthcare workers have been trained in different areas. He noted that telemedicine services and access to radiotherapy are growing due to investments in infrastructure and workforce training.

He further revealed that NICRAT is set to launch Nigeria’s first National Cancer Burden Report. This report will provide important data on cancer cases and trends in the country.

According to him, this report will help in making policies, allocating resources, implementing programs, and making investment decisions to improve how cancer is prevented, diagnosed, and treated.

Partnerships

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, also spoke. He said partnerships are key to meeting Nigeria’s cancer control goals and improving access to care.

Mr Salako, represented by Uche Nwokwu, National Coordinator of the National Cancer Control Programme, said that government efforts alone cannot meet the growing need for cancer care.

"We also rely on collaborations with our partners to improve access to cancer care in Nigeria," he said.

He noted that the National Cancer Control Plan aims to cut Nigeria’s cancer burden by 50 percent by 2030 by enhancing screening, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship programs nationwide.

He mentioned that the Cancer Access Partnership Programme is currently providing subsidized anti-cancer medicines at over 24 hospitals across the country. This helps make treatment more affordable and accessible.

"The problem is not just treatment. Some patients struggle with transportation, accommodation, and feeding costs, which significantly increase the burden of care."

Wong Kai Tan, Business Development Director of Innova Healthcare Nigeria Ltd., said the company is dedicated to improving treatment outcomes and filling gaps in oncology services.

Mr Tan pointed out that Nigeria has shortages in radiotherapy equipment and specialized staff, including radiation oncologists and medical physicists needed for effective cancer treatment.

"We are here to bridge the two countries together, to bridge the two worlds together, to make sure we are able to deliver care much better," he said.

He mentioned that Innova is looking for partnerships to promote technology transfer, knowledge sharing, and workforce development between Nigeria and Singapore to enhance oncology service delivery.

Mr Tan added that the company plans to provide complete oncology solutions, including infrastructure development, equipment installation, and training for healthcare workers across Nigeria.

The company’s Chief Financial Officer, Ikenna Njoku, said this initiative will help cut down medical tourism and make cancer treatment more affordable for Nigerians.

"What Innova has started is something that has been bothering Nigerians over the years. Medical tourism is going to reduce drastically and bring treatment costs to a level many Nigerians can afford," he added.

Chinedu Aruah, Senior Consultant Radiation and Clinical Oncologist at the National Hospital Abuja, said efforts to strengthen the oncology workforce will improve cancer care delivery.

"A lot of people are willing to work, but incentives elsewhere are often better. As the government improves the status of the workforce, things are going to take better shape," Mr Aruah said.

He described the engagement as a positive move that will improve access to radiotherapy services and help reduce treatment delays for cancer patients across the country.