The Association of Radiation and Clinical Oncologists in Nigeria (ARCON) has called on the Federal Government to establish national oncologic hospitals to improve cancer care.
The association made the call on Friday in a communique it issued after its 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Scientific Conference in Ibadan.
The communique was signed by the ARCON President, Dr Nwamaka Lasebikan, and Secretary, Dr Kehinde Ololade.
The association appealed to the government to establish national oncologic hospitals in the six geopolitical zones of the country.
The association expressed concern about inadequate number of oncologic hospitals in the country and lack of sufficient stakeholder engagement in cancer control and prevention.
According to it, Artificial Intelligence is relevant in the fields of radiation and clinical oncology.
“We express sympathy for the people of Maiduguri, Borno State, following severe flash floods that displaced thousands and caused significant damage across the state.
“We are concerned that the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, where the radiotherapy centre and other facilities are, were affected. This is a major setback to cancer care in Nigeria.
“The AGM also expressed concern over the ongoing economic crisis, which is severely affecting all sectors of business,
including the pharmaceutical industry and the availability of medical equipment across the country.
“The AGM observed limited implementation of public-private partnership arrangements in the healthcare sector, particularly in the areas of cancer care, including awareness, screening, early diagnosis, treatment and palliative care.
“The AGM appeals to government at all levels to intensify efforts and deploy necessary measures to improve
the country’s economic situation,” the association said.
The association further urged governments to create an enabling environment for more private sector participation and
investment in the healthcare sector.
It urged other healthcare stakeholders to actively engage in cancer control and prevention efforts to help reduce the cancer burden in the country.
” The AGM advises our members to continue enhancing their technological expertise in order to keep pace with modern advancements in the field of oncology.
“The AGM agreed that the welfare of members must always be a top priority.
NAN
