The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), in collaboration with Roche Pharmaceuticals and the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Abuja, has launched a cost-sharing initiative aimed at reducing the financial burden of cancer treatment in Nigeria.
The partnership follows an earlier Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2021 between NHIA and Roche, which was reviewed and expanded in 2025 to extend access and benefits for cancer patients.
Speaking in Abuja on Friday, Ms Linda Makwe of NHIA’s Department of Standards and Quality Assurance said the programme is designed to provide affordable access to high-cost oncology medications, particularly for vulnerable groups.
Makwe said that the partnership showcased NHIA’s role in strategic healthcare purchasing, adding that one of the key objectives was to enhance access to essential, life-saving cancer treatments, while ensuring financial sustainability.
“The programme ensures that patients have access to critical oncology drugs at a subsidised rate, with the financial burden shared between Roche, NHIA and the patient,” she said.
Makwe also explained that under the agreement, Roche covered 50 per cent of the cost of monoclonal medicines and provides logistical support to ensure drug availability.
She added that NHIA managed patient access and coordinated financing mechanisms.
She noted that the programme also aimed to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for patients and aligned with Nigeria’s goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage.
Also, Team Lead for Oncology at Roche, Mr Funsho David, said the collaboration was committed to delivering innovative and affordable cancer care for Nigerians.
David said the cost-sharing model shared financial obligations among Roche, NHIA and the patient, allowing patients to afford both prescribed medicines and other associated treatment services.
“This approach not only guarantees access to essential oncology medicines, but also protects patients from catastrophic health expenditures,” he said.
He commended the FMC Abuja for its support and encouraged the facility to expand its NHIA service accreditation from six to over 20, in order to offer a full continuum of cancer care from diagnosis to surgery, chemotherapy and rehabilitation.
In his remarks, the Medical Director of FMC Abuja, Prof. Saad Ahmed, welcomed the partnership, saying it would significantly ease the financial burden faced by many cancer patients.
Represented by the Director of Clinical Services, Dr Muftau Bioku, Ahmed said cancer treatment was often unaffordable for most Nigerians, making the cost-sharing initiative timely and impactful.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the expanded MoU now include full treatment coverage, access for uninsured patients, navigation and counselling services.
It also include Immunohistochemistry (IHC) testing for eligible individuals.
