NHIA EXPANDS CANCER INSURANCE SUPPORT FOR PATIENTS

The National Health Insurance Authority has expanded its insurance support for cancer treatment to reduce the financial burden on patients and their families.

The authority said eligible beneficiaries can now receive coverage for 80 per cent of the cost of selected cancer medicines under a cost-sharing arrangement involving the NHIA and pharmaceutical company Roche.

Under the arrangement, Roche covers 50 per cent of the cost of selected medicines, while the NHIA contributes 30 per cent and the patient pays the remaining 20 per cent.

The NHIA has also introduced additional financial support of up to N400,000 and, in some cases, full coverage for eligible radiotherapy patients.

Other cancer-related services covered under its programmes include mammography, CT and MRI scans, bone scans, laboratory tests and radiotherapy. Depending on the applicable benefit package, support is also available for screening, surgery, chemotherapy and follow-up care.

The authority said the measures were designed to provide greater financial protection for households dealing with high treatment costs.

The NHIA said more than 23 million Nigerians are currently enrolled in the national health insurance system.

It added that expanding financial protection for cancer patients was part of efforts to improve access to treatment and reduce the pressure of healthcare costs on households.