Federal Government has said it will upgrade the Cancer Control Programme to National Agency for the Control of Cancer to enhance early detection and proper management of the disease in the country.
Rep. Mohammed Usman, Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Health said thisduring a news conference organised by Federal Ministry of Health to commemorate the 2016 World Cancer Day in Abuja.
Usman said “I am also working on the Bill for the establishment of this Agency and the minister has agreed to give me his input.
“Immediately after our budget sessions, I will present the bill for the establishment of the National Cancer Control Agency to the House of Representatives.
“I believe that bill will receive the attention it required, given the interest of the members in addressing the menace of cancer in Nigeria,’’ he said.
Dr Ramatu Hassan, National Coordinator, Cancer Control Programme, Federal Ministry of Health, said government would upgrade seven of the cancer treatment centres to centres of excellence.
“The government will also go into Public Private Partnership (PPP) with some companies to increase the number of treatment centres to 14 within the next two years.
“We will continue to increase more of the centres as the time goes-by, we will maintain training of medical personnel to ensure that the centres function well.”