Oncologist Advocates for Government Support in Cancer Treatment

An oncologist at the General Hospital in Odon, Lagos state has urged the Nigerian government to subsidise cancer treatment and integrate it into the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

During the Muslimah Health Forum, an annual convention sponsored by the Bounties Organisation, Dr. Balikis Mabadeje-Isowo highlighted that many cancer patients delay treatment due to financial constraints.

Currently, cancer treatment is not covered by the NHIS, although efforts are being made to include anti-cancer therapies. “Many of our patients are not doing well, and we must address the financial burden they face,” Dr. Mababdeje-Isowo proposed that the government allocate one oil block to support cancer patients financially.

The forum, themed “Serenity Now,” gathered professional Muslim women to discuss pressing health issues, with cancer being a central topic. Hajia Hafsah Ameen-Kukoyi, the convener of the Bounties Charity Initiative, emphasised the importance of raising awareness among Muslim women about their physical, mental, and spiritual health, as ignorance has led to unnecessary fatalities.

In addition to the discussions, the event featured a “Health Souk,” a marketplace aimed at showcasing health initiatives and products tailored for Muslim women, thereby improving their access to healthcare services.

Dr. Fatimah Habeeb Adeyemi, an obstetrician-gynecologist, echoed the need for early detection of cancer.

Cancer survivor Oyekemi Bawahala shared her journey, underscoring the importance of early diagnosis and adherence to medical advice as October is recognised as cancer awareness month, serves as a reminder of the disease’s seriousness and the importance of early intervention. Bawahala warned against misconceptions surrounding cancer treatment, noting that spiritual beliefs can sometimes lead individuals to forgo necessary medical care.

The Media representatives of the Local Organising Committee, LOC of the Bounties Charity Initiative, Hajiah Rabi Abdallah expressed hope that merging diverse professional skills would lead to significant societal impact explaining that more of programmes like that needs to be organised by the Muslim community to create more awareness and educate Muslim women on their health and well being.

Hajiah Mutiat Orolu, Executive Director of the Hijab Rights Advocacy Group, called for increased awareness regarding the hereditary nature of certain cancers and the need for improved access to testing and treatment. She urged the government to enhance primary healthcare centers to facilitate screenings and promote collaboration between public and private sectors in cancer care.

The discussion emphasised that cancer should not be viewed as a death sentence; instead, education and access to treatment are vital in combating the disease and improving survival rates.

Other activities at the event included further discussions on mental health, stress management, exhibition and promotion of health products by professional Muslim women.