The Department of Radiation and Clinical Oncology at the Federal Medical Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State, has collaborated with the Ogun State House of Assembly to combat cancer through improved healthcare policies.
The Consultant Radiation and Clinical Oncologist at the hospital, Dr. Bolaji Lateef Salako, led a dedicated team of oncologists who visited the honourable members of the assembly on Thursday, Feb. 22, to raise awareness about cancer and advocate for improved healthcare policies.
This collaborative effort, facilitated by the House Committee on Health Chairman, Wahab Aruna, aimed to address various aspects of cancer care, such as screening, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and the critical importance of early detection.
During the program, Salako emphasised the urgent need for effective legislation to better serve the people of the state in terms of cancer care.
He underscored the scarcity of radiotherapy machines nationwide and urged the government to take steps to increase their availability.
Additionally, Salako highlighted the shortage of manpower and essential equipment, which hinders effective cancer management in the state.
As an advocate against quackery, he emphasised the dangerous role of quacks and quackery in increasing mortality and morbidity within the cancer ecosystem.
He suggested that the state government could play a pivotal role by investing in radiotherapy machines to ensure more accessible cancer treatment for its citizens.
In an encouraging development, Salako announced that the Federal Medical Centre in Abeokuta is poised to become a state-of-the-art radiotherapy centre equipped with the latest technology soon.
He expressed gratitude to the house’s leadership, led by Honourable Oludaisi Elemide and Honourable Yusuf, the Speaker and Majority Leader, respectively, for providing the platform to discuss these vital issues.
He, however, urged them to use the information presented as a blueprint for developing effective policies for cancer management in the state.
