In a bid to mitigate the socio-economic effects of cancer in Nigeria, Phillips Consulting Limited (PCL) is directing significant research capabilities towards supporting stakeholders in ensuring the effectiveness of cancer management through the effective project management of palliative programs and initiatives.
The consulting firm’s managing consultant, Victor Mba made this known in a statement made available to business a.m.
According to him, Phillips Consulting extensive knowledge of the local environment also ensures that the firm is equipped to help local and international organisations deliver sustainable outcomes in their efforts towards combating cancer.
“Though an enormous challenge, our commitment to that task at Phillips Consulting is unflinching,” Mba said
The firm also noted that findings from its extensive study on the socioeconomic impact of cancer is scheduled to be published Monday February 4th 2019, in commemoration of the World Cancer week.
The study conducted by the firm in 2018 revealed that several health management organisations in Nigeria do not cover cancer treatments; neither does The Nigerian National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
The study which gathered responses from thousands of Nigerian cancer victims or caregivers, family and friends also revealed that in Nigeria, the cost of cancer treatments in Nigeria ranges from N850,000 ($2,361) and $10,000 (N3,600,000).
“Due to the masses not able to afford these costs, the number of people resorting to public intervention has constantly increased over the years; this is intuitive evidence of the great socioeconomic burden faced by cancer patients and their caregivers,” the research found.
The PCL research found that destinations such as The Middle East, India, Turkey, United States of America and Europe thrive on tens and thousands of Nigerian medical tourists who troop abroad in search of the best and most affordable medical treatments and health care services every year.
“Cancer patients spend up to $60,000, excluding other associated financial costs such visa fees, flight tickets, logistics, hotel accommodation and upkeep for the patient and their caregiver in seeking treatment abroad,” PCL said, suggesting opportunities for investment along the value chain of cancer management in Nigeria.
The PCL survey further showed that Nigerian women and low-income earners were the most affected by cancer, but irrespective of one’s socioeconomic status, the emotional and financial burden of fighting cancer is excruciating.
According to the Global Burden of Disease Study 2015, total deaths caused by Cancer rose by 17 percent between 2005 and 2015. By 2030, cancer incidence worldwide is projected to rise by 68 percent to 23.6 million new cases every year.
Cancer was estimated to have caused 8.8 million deaths (one in every six deaths) globally in 2015 and cost the world, in 2010, the best part of US$1.16trillion. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the world and the most prevalent cause of NCD (non-communicable disease) death after cardiovascular disease. In 2012, Cancers caused 3 percent of over two million deaths recorded in Nigeria.
Guided by insights from the combined health industry, government, NGOs, researchers of all stripes and other interested corporate bodies must provide the basis for effective actions against Cancer. The consulting firms resounded the need for the task of beating cancer requiring the combined efforts of all stakeholders.
