The Chief Medical Director (CMD), Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, Osun State, Prof. John Okeniyi, has said Roche is partnering with the hospital to provide subsidised cancer drugs.

Mr Okeniyi made the disclosure during the sensitisation programme on the Engagement and the Pre-Implementation of NHIA-Roche Oncology Cost Sharing Initiative on Friday in Ile-Ife.

He said that the hospital was also partnering with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) on affordable cancer treatment, citing a public private partnership programme.

Mr Okeniyi explained that the partnership was aimed at reducing the financial burden of cancer treatment for patients.

The CMD explained the initiative would help people’s drive for more NHIA enrolment and Roche company to sell their available medications to patients.

He emphasised that the partnership would assist the hospital to follow up on care earlier, when there was no assistance, noting that patients died when they cannot afford the treatment.

Speaking, the Osun State Coordinator of NHIA, Olalekan Falode said that the sharing initiative for cancer patients will see Roche offsetting 50 per cent, NHIS paying 30 per cent and the patient clearing 20 per cent.

He emphasised that the benefits are for NHIS registered patients.

He encouraged more people to enrol in NHIS, adding that they are entitled to 50 per cent of the value of the drug with Roche payment.

He noted, “Immediately your name comes out, 30 per cent will be paid by the NHIA while the patient pays 20 per cent. Cancer is not a disease anyone can pay for even if you are rich, it takes so much money from your pocket. So, the only way to combat cancer is to get those who are going to pay for the enrolees and that is what we are.’’

In the same vein, the Secretary, Healthcare System Partner-Policy for Roche Nigeria, Babarinde Olayode, said that the company works through seven centres in all geopolitical zones.

Mr Olayode stated that Roche was dedicated to improving cancer care patients in 24 centres for significant growth in which OAUTHC is one of the centres.

He stated, “This includes more of our products, more centres where patients are able to access our medication at a cost-sharing formula.”

(NAN)