FG Unveils N50m Health Fund for Cancer Patients; Beneficiaries to Get at Least N100k Each

The Federal Government has launched a N50 million Social Determinants of Health Fund to support vulnerable cancer patients struggling with non-medical expenses that often prevent them from accessing or completing treatment.

Speaking at the unveiling of the fund in Abuja on Wednesday, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, said the initiative would help patients overcome barriers such as transportation, accommodation, feeding and inadequate social support.

According to him, more than 600 cancer patients have already applied for assistance, while over 200 applicants have been verified through a screening process involving medical directors and attending physicians.

Salako disclosed that verified beneficiaries would receive at least N100,000 each.

“The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare will provide fifty million naira as government’s initial contribution to the Social Determinants of Health Fund for cancer patients,” he said.

He noted that although the government has invested heavily in cancer care infrastructure, treatment subsidies and awareness campaigns, many patients still struggle to begin or complete treatment because of indirect costs.

“Transportation expenses, accommodation in urban centres where specialised services are available, food insecurity and lack of family support often contribute to delayed treatment and poor outcomes,” he said.

Salako described social determinants of health as a major driver of the financial burden associated with cancer treatment and said the fund was created following recommendations from the National Cancer Control Plan 2026–2030 Technical Working Group.

He revealed that members of the group had made personal donations worth millions of naira to help launch the initiative and urged strict transparency and accountability in managing the fund.