Kebbi State Government has approved N10 million, annually, for the treatment of indigent cancer patients in the state, according to the Permanent Secretary, state Ministry of Health, Hajiya Halima Dikko.
Dikko made the disclosure on Wednesday during a Two-day Stakeholders’ Workshop on the development of the state strategic plan on Cancer 2019 -2023 in Birnin Kebbi.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop was organised by the ministry in collaboration with Medicaid Cancer Foundation.
“The state government recently approved the payment of N10 million annually for the treatment of indigents in the state suffering from cancer,’’ Dikko said.
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She said that the fund would be used to treat cancer patients at early stages, adding that the treatment would be done at Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital, Birnin Kebbi.
According to the permanent secretary, the aim of the workshop is to acquaint participants with knowledge on how to design effective and strategic plan for cancer treatment to reduce the disease in the state and Nigeria in general.
Dikko lauded the achievements of Governor Atiku Bagudu led-administration, particularly in the area of health and the Governor’s Wife, Dr Zainab Bagudu, for her untiring support for the health sector, particularly in the treatment of cancer disease.
Declaring the workshop opened, Bagudu gave financial instrument of N2 million to some cancer patients in the state.
She commended the state government, Medicaid Cancer Foundation and the Consultant on Cancer from the Federal Ministry of Health, Dr Ramatu Hassan, for their immense contributions to the state effective strategic planning.
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The governor’s wife also lauded their contribution to the treatment of cancer in the state.
“I urge all participants to pay attention throughout the deliberations and to utilise what you acquire during the workshop in designing more effective strategic plan for cancer treatment in your respective areas.
“I recommend the involvement of traditional leaders in designing the strategic plan, because they have an important role to play.
“Without traditional rulers, the vision will not be achieved,” Bagudu said.
Earlier, Dr Ramatu Hassan, Consultant to the state Ministry of Health on cancer issues said the four- year plan would create awareness on dangers and treatment of cancer.
She said that this would help to address every aspect of cancer management and to improve the quality of life of patients.
According to Hassan, the strategic plan includes prevention, early detection through regular screening, early treatment, intervention, palliative care and advocacy as well as governance and finance. (NAN)