The Federal Government has promised to procure and produce affordable but effective generic drugs for cancer patients in the country.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, at a ceremony in Abuja on Saturday to mark beginning the International Cancer Week.
Prof. Chukwu, who was represented by the Director of Procurement in the Federal Ministry of Health, Alhaji Inusa Wambai, said that government was working with other stakeholders to contain the worsening case of cancer in the country by creating awareness on how cancer can be prevented and on provision of drugs for patients.
He said, “We have collaborated with international organisations such as the International Atomic Energy Agency to increase the number of radiotherapy and nuclear medicine equipment in ten federal hospitals.
“This partnership includes training of relevant health specialists which will cost the Federal Government $63m (N9.45bn). An initial $2m (N300m) has been paid to IAEA on this project.
Prof. Chukwu also said that his ministry in collaboration with stakeholders had developed a five-year Cancer Control Plan which included strategies like comprehensive cancer prevention, early detection through regular cancer screening, early intervention and palliative care to improve the quality of life of cancer patients.
The National Coordinator, National Cancer Control Program, Dr. Patience Osinubi, said that the Walk from Millennium Park to Eagle Square in Abuja was to highlight that regular exercise no matter how small would help to fight cancer.
Source:http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201010252204517
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