…Says NHIA covers 80% of treatment cost
The Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Makurdi, has urged residents to take advantage of its affordable breast cancer services, stressing that early detection remains critical to improving survival and reducing complications associated with late presentation.
The call was made during the BSUTH Health Hour programme on Radio Benue 95.0FM on Tuesday, as part of activities marking the 2026 Pink October campaign.
Speaking on the programme, Consultant in Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Dr. Doofan Ayatse-Agishi, announced that breast cancer screening has been subsidised to ₦15,000 throughout October at the NAF Base Hospital and Mustafa Diagnostics Centre.
Dr. Ayatse-Agishi, who is also President of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria, Benue State Chapter, said the initiative was designed to reduce financial barriers and encourage women to seek medical attention before symptoms become advanced.
She disclosed that the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) now covers 80 percent of breast cancer treatment costs at BSUTH, and advised women to watch for unusual changes, including breast lumps, skin dimpling and abnormal discharge, and to promptly consult qualified health professionals.
Confirming the development in a statement on Wednesday, the Information Officer II, Public Relations and Protocol Department of the hospital, Aondoaseer Ngiegba, said the hospital is intensifying awareness creation to promote early diagnosis.
“The hospital is calling on women to take advantage of the subsidised screening fee of ₦15,000 available throughout October. We have also commenced sensitisation activities in schools, churches and on social media ahead of the Pink Rally scheduled for October 24, 2026,” Ngiegba said.
He added that with the NHIA now covering 80 percent of treatment costs, financial constraints should no longer prevent patients from seeking timely and life-saving care at the facility.
