The federal government has emphasized that partnerships with private healthcare providers are essential to addressing Nigeria's growing cancer burden and improving access to treatment. Health officials revealed that over 10,000 cancer patients have received support through government-backed programs, although many still face financial barriers beyond medical costs. Innova Healthcare Nigeria announced plans to support the sector through technology transfer, infrastructure development, and workforce training.
Government and Private Sector Collaboration
Speaking at a two-day oncology stakeholders' engagement and capacity-building program organized by Innova Healthcare Nigeria Ltd. in Abuja on Wednesday, June 10, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, stated that collaboration with the private sector is critical to achieving the country's cancer control targets. Represented by the National Coordinator of the National Cancer Control Programme, Dr. Uche Nwokwu, Salako noted that the government cannot confront the challenge alone. “We also rely on collaborations with our partners to improve access to cancer care in Nigeria,” he said.
Challenges Faced by Cancer Patients
Salako explained that the National Cancer Control Plan aims to reduce Nigeria's cancer burden by 50% by 2030 through improved screening, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship programs. He pointed out that while treatment remains a major challenge, many patients also struggle with transportation, accommodation, and feeding costs associated with seeking care. “The problem is not just treatment. Some patients struggle with transportation, accommodation and feeding costs, which significantly increase the burden of care,” he said. According to him, the federal government's Cancer Access Partnership Programme is already providing subsidized anti-cancer medicines in over 24 hospitals nationwide, helping to improve access for low-income patients.
Role of the Private Sector
The Director-General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), Prof. Usman Aliyu, emphasized that private sector involvement has become increasingly important in strengthening cancer care services and expanding access to life-saving technologies. He noted that progress in cancer control depends on strategic partnerships, innovation, and sustained investments across the healthcare system. “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,” Aliyu said. He added that public-private partnerships are already playing a significant role in radiotherapy services, with nearly half of Nigeria's operational radiotherapy centers functioning through such arrangements. Aliyu disclosed that NICRAT, through the Nigeria Cancer Access Partnership and the National Cancer Health Fund, has supported over 10,000 cancer patients with treatment, diagnostic services, and access to essential medicines.
Innova Healthcare's Initiatives
Innova Healthcare Nigeria's Business Development Director, Mr. Wong Kai Yan, said the company seeks to help bridge critical gaps in Nigeria's oncology sector through partnerships, technology transfer, and workforce development initiatives. He noted that Nigeria continues to face shortages of radiotherapy equipment and specialized healthcare professionals, including radiation oncologists, medical physicists, oncology nurses, and radiation therapists. “We are here to bridge the two countries together, to bridge the two worlds together, to make sure we are able to deliver healthcare much better,” Yan said. According to him, the company plans to provide end-to-end oncology solutions covering infrastructure development, equipment installation, and professional training.
Reducing Medical Tourism
The Chief Financial Officer of Innova Healthcare Nigeria Ltd., Mr. Ikenna Njoku, stated that strengthening local cancer treatment capacity could reduce the number of Nigerians seeking care abroad and help lower treatment costs. “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 said.
Workforce Development
Dr. Chinedu Aruah, a Senior Consultant Radiation and Clinical Oncologist at the National Hospital Abuja, said ongoing government efforts to strengthen the oncology workforce will improve access to care and reduce treatment delays. “A lot of people are willing to work, but incentives elsewhere are often better. As government improves the status of the workforce, things are going to take better shape,” he said. Aruah described the stakeholder engagement as a positive step towards improving radiotherapy services and expanding access to cancer treatment for Nigerians.
