By Blessing Odega
Some Plateau residents have commended the Federal Government for organising a free cancer screening to promote early detection and reduce cancer-related deaths.
The commendation came on Wednesday in Jos during the official launch of the exercise under the national cancer prevention and control programme.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare conducted the screening at Jos University Teaching Hospital for 1,000 residents.
Beneficiaries received free breast, cervical and prostate cancer checks.
Mrs Patience Choji praised the initiative, saying it allowed indigent residents to know their health status without financial strain.
“Most screening tests are costly for those struggling to feed. This exercise is timely, and I urge the government to sustain it,” she said.
Mrs Susan Sokowa said the intervention enabled her to undergo screening at no cost and appealed for its continuity.
Speaking at the event, Permanent Secretary, Kachollom Daju, said the programme was designed to improve access to early diagnosis.
“Early detection is one of the most effective ways to reduce cancer deaths. This free screening allows especially the indigent to seek treatment early,” she said.
Daju said free screening for 1,000 persons was ongoing in each geopolitical zone throughout February 2026.
She added that those diagnosed would receive appropriate treatment support.
Under the health sector renewal agenda, she said government was strengthening primary healthcare, expanding insurance coverage and improving diagnostic access.
She said cancer control efforts included multidisciplinary tumour teams, approved treatment guidelines and implementation of the National Chemotherapy Safety Policy.
According to her, the reforms are citizen-centred, aimed at reducing out-of-pocket spending and ensuring equitable access to quality care.
“Cancer control is not only about machines and medicines, but about dignity, access, awareness and compassion.
“At the ministry, our mandate is clear: to reduce physical and financial pain and improve health outcomes for all Nigerians,” she said.
The Chief Medical Director of Jos University Teaching Hospital, Dr Pokop Bupwatda, described cancer as a leading global cause of death.
He urged Nigerians to participate in screening programmes, noting that early detection significantly improves survival rates. (NAN)
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo
