The National Health Insurance Authority, NHIA, has partnered with global pharmaceutical company Roche to launch a subsidised oncology drug programme at the Usmanu Danfodio University Teaching Hospital, UDUTH, in Sokoto.
The new initiative, unveiled on Wednesday during an official onboarding ceremony, is part of a nationwide cost-sharing scheme designed to make life-saving cancer medications more accessible and affordable for patients under the NHIA.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Bashir Isa-Ubandawaki, NHIA’s Coordinator in Sokoto State, described the development as a critical intervention under the Federal Government’s broader strategy to strengthen cancer care and reduce the burden on Nigerian families.
“This programme aims to bridge the equity gap in access to quality cancer care. By significantly lowering the cost of treatment, we are providing real hope to families battling one of the most devastating diseases,” Isa-Ubandawaki said.
He noted that the scheme covers all NHIA-registered enrolees across the country, including those under both formal and informal health insurance plans. With Nigeria facing increasing cancer prevalence and late-stage diagnoses, the partnership is seen as a timely response to an urgent public health need.
Under the cost-sharing arrangement, patients will pay just 20 percent of the total cost of select cancer medications. Roche will subsidise 50 percent, while NHIA will cover the remaining 30 percent.
Ms. Dara Olatoke, a representative from Roche, explained that the subsidised therapies are part of Roche’s extensive oncology portfolio and were selected to deliver high-quality care to a broad range of patients.
“We are committed to ensuring equitable access to treatment. By lifting the financial barrier to cancer care, we aim to protect families from medical impoverishment,” Olatoke said.
She added that the initiative reflects Roche’s commitment to public-private partnerships and aligns with its global access mission to bring advanced therapies to underserved populations.
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In his remarks, the Chief Medical Director of UDUTH, Prof. Anas Sabir — represented by the Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), Prof. Usman Sani — welcomed the initiative and described it as a much-needed boost for the hospital’s oncology services.
“The cost of cancer care remains extremely high for most Nigerians. This partnership offers a significant lifeline and demonstrates what’s possible when government institutions and private sector players work together,” Sabir said.
He assured stakeholders that the hospital had already made preparations for effective implementation, including upgrading its data systems and patient tracking mechanisms. These upgrades will ensure efficient drug distribution, record-keeping, and monitoring of patient outcomes.
Prof. Sabir also urged Roche to expand collaboration efforts by partnering with other pharmaceutical firms to increase the variety of treatments and drug options available under the scheme.
Dr. Abdulkadir Hassan, Head of Research, Standards, and Quality Assurance at NHIA Sokoto, provided further insights into the programme’s national reach. He revealed that the number of cancer service centres in Nigeria had increased from seven to 24, covering all six geopolitical zones.
He highlighted that the initiative is not limited to drug provision alone but includes capacity-building activities such as seminars, workshops, and training for health workers, as well as infrastructural enhancements at participating hospitals.
“The programme is being implemented with a strong focus on sustainability. We have put in place payment platforms, oversight frameworks, and streamlined administrative processes to eliminate delays and inefficiencies,” Hassan said.
According to him, the initiative also features robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms aimed at ensuring quality service delivery and accountability.
The onboarding session concluded with interactive discussions between stakeholders, addressing implementation challenges, proposed solutions, and future expansion of the programme.
NAN
