The Nigerian government has revealed plans to review the National Policy and Strategic Plan for Hospice and Palliative Care 2021 to ensure that cancer patients are able to lead a fairly good quality life. Dr. Uchechukwu Nwokwu, the National Coordinator of the National Cancer Control Programme, made this known during an interview in Abuja. The policy, inaugurated in 2021, aims to institutionalize hospice and palliative care services in Nigeria.
According to the International Association for Hospice and Palliative Care (IAHPC), Hospice and Palliative Care (HPC) provides holistic care to individuals with serious health-related suffering, especially those near the end of life. This type of care encompasses all aspects from diagnosis to a patient’s death and bereavement. It includes addressing all domains that may cause suffering, such as end-of-life care, loss, grief, and bereavement.
While the current policy is being implemented, it falls short of the expected scale. Dr. Nwokwu stated that by 2024, the document will be reviewed to assess the level of implementation and identify areas for improvement. With a new government in place, there is hope for addressing the palliative care needs of not only cancer patients but also other individuals requiring such services.
Cancer, being a non-discriminatory illness in terms of race, religion, or social status, has the potential to financially destabilize even the wealthiest individuals due to the high cost of care. Therefore, palliative care is crucial for terminal illnesses beyond just cancer. The aim of institutionalizing palliative care is to ensure that individuals experiencing prolonged illnesses receive the necessary comprehensive care.
Dr. Nwokwu emphasized that the policy advocates for the integration of psychosocial and faith-based support from the point of diagnosis, through the treatment phase, and even at the end of life. It is crucial for individuals to accept their diagnosis, as it impacts their willingness to participate in their care and treatment. Additionally, the policy aims to integrate HPC services at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of healthcare to ensure that patients receive proper care at any point in time.
The implementation of the palliative care policy seeks to improve early detection and treatment of cancer and other terminal illnesses, which ultimately increases the survival rate. By integrating these services at primary care levels, individuals will gain a better understanding of the necessary steps for care, ensuring a seamless referral process when advanced care is required.
Furthermore, the policy seeks to provide a fairly good quality of life for in-patients or those with terminal illnesses, even when curative measures are no longer viable. It aims to reduce financial strain by referring such patients to dedicated hospice or primary healthcare centers where they can receive specialized palliative care services. This strategy not only ensures more appropriate care but also minimizes the financial burden on patients and their families.
In conclusion, the review of Nigeria’s National Policy and Strategic Plan for Hospice and Palliative Care 2021 signifies a pivotal step towards enhancing cancer care and palliative services in the country. The integration of holistic care, early detection, and comprehensive support at all levels of healthcare is poised to make a remarkable difference in the lives of individuals living with terminal illnesses.
