To ensure a higher quality of life for cancer patients, the Nigerian federal government has announced plans to review the National Policy and Strategic Plan for Hospice and Palliative Care 2021.
Dr Uchechukwu Nwokwu, the National Coordinator of the National Cancer Control Programme, shared this development during an interview with journalists in Abuja.
The policy, inaugurated in 2021, seeks to institutionalize Nigeria’s hospice and palliative care services.
Hospice and Palliative Care (HPC) are comprehensive approaches to the active and holistic care of individuals experiencing serious health-related suffering due to severe illness, especially those approaching the end of life.
The focus is on a continuum of care from diagnosis to the patient’s death and beyond, addressing all aspects that may cause suffering, including end-of-life care, loss, grief, and bereavement.
Mr Nwokwu acknowledged that, while the policy is already in implementation, it has yet to reach the anticipated scale.
He said the government aims to conduct a thorough review of the document by 2024 to evaluate the level of implementation and identify areas for improvement, particularly in addressing the palliative care needs of cancer patients.
Palliative care, according to Mr Nwokwu, is not limited to cancer but extends to any illness with the potential for a prolonged duration.
According to him, the overarching goal is to ensure individuals facing terminal illnesses experience a reasonable quality of life.
His words: ”The policy emphasises the integration of palliative care from the point of diagnosis.
”This involves addressing psychosocial needs, providing faith-based support, and collaborating with religious leaders for moral assistance.
”The intention is to help individuals accept their diagnosis, actively engage in treatment, and enhance their overall well-being.”
Early diagnosis through effective screening and testing, particularly for cancer patients, was underscored as a crucial aspect of the policy.
”The integration of hospice and palliative care services at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of healthcare is proposed to ensure a comprehensive understanding of each level’s roles in patient care,” he added.
