By Mustapha Yauri
The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), in partnership with Roche Products Limited, on Thursday inaugurated an Oncology Patient Navigation Programme at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme is aimed at strengthening cancer care and reduce mortality from breast cancer and other oncological conditions.
It is also designed to provide a comprehensive, coordinated care, navigation and counselling services for cancer patients.
Speaking at the event in Zaria, the Chief Medical Director, ABUTH, Prof. Ahmed-Hamidu Umdagas, said the hospital remained committed to its role as one of the Oncology Centres of Excellence in Nigeria.
He said the navigation programme, sponsored by Roche, complements the financial protection already offered through the hospital’s partnership with the NHIA.
“It allows us to provide a truly holistic experience for our patients, from diagnosis through full treatment coverage,” he said.
Umdagas explained that the platform would also enable patients to track their drug regimens and treatment cycles, thereby reducing the risk of missed medications.
According to him, the system supports patients from the point of entry into the hospital by helping them understand how to access services, manage appointments and adhere to prescribed medications.
“It is very important because it helps patients navigate hospital services and also supports proper documentation and data gathering,” he said.
He, therefore, urged Nigerians to key into NHIA packages to access quality healthcare services at subsidised rates.
Similarly, Pharm. Funsho David, Breast Cancer Lead, Roche Nigeria, said the company’s goal was to ensure that innovative cancer care was not only available but also accessible.
He added that by integrating patient navigation into the existing NHIA-Roche cost-sharing framework, the initiative would address the clinical and emotional challenges patients face and help them stay on their treatment path for better outcomes.
NAN reports that the partnership between the NHIA and Roche evolved from a 2021 Memorandum of Understanding into a major expansion in 2025.
The collaboration is aimed at bridging the gap in cancer care in Nigeria through a cost-sharing model between the NHIA and Roche. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Muhammad Lawal
