The Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife on Friday, July 25, 2025 hosted a sensitization program to promote awareness of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and the Roche Oncology Cost-Sharing Initiative. The event, held at the hospital’s Mini-Auditorium, was organized to engage key stakeholders and educate them on the implementation of this groundbreaking healthcare initiative.
In his welcome address, the Chief Medical Director, Prof. John Okeniyi, acknowledged the presence of all participants and emphasized the importance of cancer prevention and early treatment. He stated that cancer does not have to be a terminal illness, which is the driving force behind the NHIA-Roche partnership. According to him, the initiative aims to provide access to timely and quality diagnostics and treatments for cancer patients across the country.
Speaking at the event, the Head of the Standards and Quality Assurance Department, NHIA Osun State, Dr. Saheed Adeyemo, explained that the cost-sharing arrangement was launched in 2021 in collaboration with Roche Limited. The goal, he noted, is to improve access to oncology medications by addressing challenges such as drug unavailability, rising costs, concerns around generic and branded medicines, and service quality. Dr. Adeyemo added that the program, which began with seven Centres of Excellence, has now expanded to 24 centres nationwide. According to him, the initiative is for all Nigerians, regardless of ethnicity. It reduces the financial burden, encourages early treatment, and enhances patient outcomes.
Also speaking, a representative of Roche Pharmaceuticals and Diagnostics, Mr. Babarinde Olayode revealed that, according to the Minister of Health, while launching the new cancer centre in Katsina, there are 127,000 cancer cases in Nigeria annually, with a death toll of about 80,000. He emphasized that the collaboration aimed to provide affordable, sustainable, and high-quality cancer care. “Since the collaboration began, we have seen patients presenting earlier, leading to improved detection and survival rates,” he noted.
Mr. Olayode highlighted that the partnership ensures 80% delivery of standard care, accurate diagnosis, and reduced costs. He explained the simplified enrolment process for patients, which includes an initial 50% discount, followed by a 20% payment by the patient once confirmed, with the remaining 30% covered by NHIA. All medications under the scheme will be NHIA-branded, guaranteeing quality and consistency throughout the treatment cycle.
The sensitization program marks a significant step forward in Nigeria’s efforts to enhance cancer care and expand access through public-private partnerships in the healthcare sector.
