The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to provide free cancer screening services nationwide.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion moved by a lawmaker, Aderemi Oseni during Wednesday’s plenary in Abuja.

Presenting the motion under urgent national importance, Mr Oseni described cancer as a growing public health crisis in Nigeria, stressing that the rising cost of treatment was putting care out of reach for many patients.

He said, “The scourge of cancer is fast spreading among Nigerians.’’

Mr Oseni noted that treatment costs could range from tens of millions of naira to hundreds of thousands of dollars annually, depending on the type and stage of cancer, as well as the treatment method.

He expressed concern over the limited availability of radiotherapy machines and the cost, complex supply chain for cancer medications, which had made treatment unaffordable for many Nigerians.

He added, “There’s a dangerous perception that cancer is a disease of the rich or a death sentence. That is no longer the case, it affects both the rich and the poor.’’

Mr Oseni emphasised the need for public funding, calling it the most sustainable and equitable way to finance cancer care and ease the financial burden on patients.

The lawmakers unanimously urged the Federal Government to establish additional cancer treatment centres equipped with radiotherapy machines across the country.

The House also mandated its Committee on Healthcare Services to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and other relevant agencies to develop a framework for federal intervention.

Additionally, the House Committee on Legislative Compliance was tasked with ensuring the implementation of the resolution.

In 2020, about 125,000 Nigerians were diagnosed with various types of cancer, with breast, prostate, and cervical cancers being the most common.

(NAN)