In a bid to provide a more robust quality of life for cancer patients, the Federal Government is set to review the 2021 National Policy and Strategic Plan for Hospice and Palliative Care. Dr. Uchechukwu Nwokwu, the National Coordinator for the National Cancer Control Programme, made this announcement during an interview in Abuja.
The 2021 policy aimed to institutionalize hospice and palliative care services in Nigeria, addressing serious health-related suffering due to severe illnesses, particularly in the final stages of life. Dr. Nwokwu acknowledged the policy’s implementation but emphasized its need for scale and effectiveness.
Anticipating a review by 2024, Dr. Nwokwu expressed optimism that the renewed government’s agenda would prioritize palliative care for cancer patients and others requiring such services. He emphasized the financial burden of cancer care and the imperative role of palliative care in managing terminal illnesses.
Highlighting the comprehensive nature of Hospice and Palliative Care (HPC), Dr. Nwokwu explained its focus on a continuum of care from diagnosis to end-of-life and bereavement. He stressed the importance of integrating psychosocial and faith-based support, especially during the critical phase of accepting a diagnosis.
The policy’s inception aimed to ameliorate pain and enhance the overall quality of life for individuals facing terminal illnesses. Dr. Nwokwu underscored the importance of starting palliative care from the point of diagnosis, integrating it into primary care levels to improve awareness and early intervention.
Recognizing that late-stage cancer diagnoses often result from inadequate awareness or facility capabilities, Dr. Nwokwu emphasized the need to integrate palliative care services at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. This integration aims to ensure that individuals receive appropriate care and support at every stage, ultimately enhancing their quality of life.
Looking forward, Dr. Nwokwu emphasized the necessity of training healthcare professionals at hospice homes and primary health care centers to effectively administer palliative care. The goal is to offer patients a dignified and fairly good quality of life, particularly when curative measures are no longer viable. This proactive approach aims to mitigate financial toxicity and redirect patients to centers focused on palliation and symptomatic management.
