Federal Government Urges Cancer Patients to Register with NHIA as Roche Cost-Sharing Program Launches in Osun

The Federal Government of Nigeria is urging cancer patients to register with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) in order to access substantial financial assistance for treatment. The appeal was made during a cancer care sensitization event at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC), where the NHIA-Roche cost-sharing program was officially launched for Osun State.

                                                                   

The initiative, a public-private partnership between NHIA and Roche, aims to drastically reduce the financial burden of cancer treatment by subsidizing the cost of essential medications.

According to Olakekan Falode, NHIA Coordinator for Osun State, eligible cancer patients will only be required to pay 20% of the cost of select cancer drugs.

“Cancer is not a disease anyone can easily afford to treat. Even the wealthy struggle,” Falode said. “This initiative allows us to support enrollees by taking care of a major portion of their drug costs. It’s a lifeline for many.”

Under the agreement:

• Roche covers 50%

• NHIA pays 30%

• Patients contribute 20%

Falode noted that Roche’s discount begins immediately, even before NHIA registration is finalized. Once registration is complete, NHIA’s 30% support kicks in.

Falode emphasized that health insurance is now mandatory in Nigeria, especially for tackling chronic and life-threatening illnesses.

“It’s not just mandatory, it’s vital,” he said. “Nigerians must begin to make inquiries about their eligibility and get enrolled as soon as possible.”

Olayode Babarinde, Healthcare System Partner Policy Lead at Roche Nigeria, confirmed that the cost-sharing program is expanding to 17 additional medical centers across the country, including OAUTHC in Ile-Ife.

“This partnership ensures that many of our innovative cancer medicines become accessible at designated centres at subsidised rates,” he said.

Professor John Okeniyi, Chief Medical Director of OAUTHC, praised the NHIA-Roche initiative, calling it a model for successful public-private collaboration in healthcare.

“This program has the potential to significantly improve cancer treatment outcomes and aftercare in Nigeria,” Prof. Okeniyi said.

With cancer treatment costs rising globally, this partnership marks a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s healthcare sector. As NHIA continues to expand its reach, and Roche steps up its accessibility efforts, more patients may finally be able to receive treatment without falling into financial ruin.