Marcelle Ruth Cancer Centre and Specialist Hospital in partnership with Leadway Health has unveiled an inclusive plan for comprehensive cancer care.
Bolaji Odunsi, chairman, Marcelle Ruth, said the partnership is designed to make the specialist care and other treatments accessible to Nigerians at a global standard.
Odunsi said the hospital’s operations are driven with cutting-edge technology, a dedicated team of experts, and a commitment to excellence, all combined to deliver comprehensive healthcare solutions.
“Through comprehensive health insurance coverage provided by Leadway Health HMO, we can alleviate the financial burden often associated with cancer treatment, ensuring that patients can focus on their recovery without the added stress of financial constraints,” Odunsi said.
“This partnership not only enhances Marcelle Ruth’s ability to deliver affordable cancer treatment but also reaffirms its commitment to prioritising the well-being and financial security of every individual seeking care at the facility.”
Speaking on the partnership, Olatokunbo Alli, chief executive of Leadway Health HMO, said the duo are pioneering a new standard of excellence in healthcare, with a focus on innovation, affordability and compassion.
“We believe that by leveraging our collective strengths and resources, we can make a tangible impact in the lives of those who need medical care and by so doing, contribute to building a healthier, more resilient society”.
According to the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, more than 120,000 cancer cases are recorded yearly.
A staggering 35 million new cancer cases are expected to engulf the world, largely fueled by aging and alcohol consumption, according to statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO).
This marks a 77 percent increase from the estimated 20 million cases in 2022.
The rapidly growing global cancer burden is attributed to both population ageing and growth, as well as changes to people’s exposure to risk factors, several of which are associated with socioeconomic development.
Tobacco, alcohol and obesity are key factors behind the increasing incidence of cancer, with air pollution still a key driver of environmental risk factors, WHO says.
About 1 in 5 people develop cancer in their lifetime, approximately 1 in 9 men and 1 in 12 women die from the disease.
Marcelle Ruth is determined to shape the future of cancer care in Nigeria and beyond with a commitment to good quality of care, Odunsi stated.
The facility hosts a radiology and cancer treatment centre with specialised rooms tailored to specific diagnostic and therapeutic needs. It’s capable conducting a mammogram, a CT scan, an X-Ray, an Ultrasound, and a modern laboratory services.
It also features two operating theatres, an eight-bed chemotherapy suite, and a radiotherapy center equipped with a linear accelerator and brachytherapy capabilities.
In addition to its advanced medical equipment, the founders are joined by a team of skilled personnel, including consultant medical and radiation oncologists, surgeons, family physicians, radiation therapists, nurses, pharmacists, imaging technicians, laboratory scientists, nutritionists, counsellors and health-care administrators, who work together to treat and care for patients.
Odunsi said the goal is to redefine cancer care in Nigeria and reduce the need to travel abroad for such specialist care.
He emphasized the importance of periodic testing and examinations to combat various cancers, particularly for individuals who meet certain criteria. As an example, he highlighted that one in four men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, making it crucial for men, especially those approaching or exceeding 40 years old, to get tested.
He also announced that the hospital is set to embark on a groundbreaking initiative to provide stem cell transplantation services, an advanced treatment options for people battling with bone marrow and blood cancers.
“Stem cell transplantation, also known as bone marrow transplantation, offers a promising avenue for the treatment of various hematologic malignancies, including leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma,” he explained.
“This innovative procedure involves the transplantation of healthy stem cells to replace damaged or diseased cells in the bone marrow, thereby restoring the body’s ability to produce healthy blood cells and effectively combat cancer.”
Odunsi further emphasised Marcelle Ruth’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of cancer care, ensuring patients have access to the most advanced and effective treatment options available.
The hospital’s approach to patient care extends to ancillary services such as a pharmacy and counseling room, further enhancing the holistic support available to individuals and their families.
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