The federal government has said that it was in the process of commencing the production of morphine syrup at the Federal Drug Manufacturing Laboratory, Yaba, Lagos that will alleviate the sufferings of cancer patients.
The minister of State for Health, Dr Muhammad Ali Pate,? disclosed this in Abuja yesterday at a ceremony to mark the International Cancer Week.
He also said that the federal government has earmarked the sum of $60 million for the National Cancer Control Project that? would not only reduce the cost of medication but also enhance the quality of life of the patients.
?Pate said that? government was adopting these strategies in the nation’s cancer control project in order to vigorously pursue the fight against cancer.
? Pate, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs Fatima Bamidele said, “in recognising the global nature of cancer, government is currently in? partnership with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to procure 10 cancer treatment facilities such as linear accelerators, Brach therapy machines and nuclear medicine equipment, this
project will cost government $60m,” ?
?In his remarks, Anambra State Commissioner of Health, Prof. Amobi Ilika, said that state governments across the country have resolved to double their efforts in the fight against cancer by creating awareness and offering free test for Nigerians.
?Also, the Head of the Abuja Catholic Archdiocese Health Department, Reverend Sister Cecilia Azu stressed the need for palliative measures that would provide care for cancer patients and said that unless succour was provided, patients with cancer would continue to remain silent.