NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR CANCER RESEARCH AND TREATMENT (ESTABLISHMENT) ACT 2017
Act · Health
Policy date: 2017-01-01
An Act establishes the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment as the leading body for cancer research, prevention, and treatment in Nigeria. It targets cancer patients, survivors, oncologists, researchers, hospitals, and the Federal Ministry of Health to coordinate national cancer control efforts. This aims to reduce cancer mortality and build treatment capacity.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR CANCER RESEARCH AND TREATMENT (ESTABLISHMENT) ACT 2017
What Is This Policy?
An Act that establishes the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) as the apex body for cancer research, prevention, and treatment in Nigeria.
Who Does It Target?
Cancer patients and survivors in Nigeria Oncologists and cancer researchers Cancer treatment hospitals and diagnostic centres Federal Ministry of Health
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Provide specialised cancer research, build treatment capacity, reduce cancer mortality, and coordinate Nigeria's national cancer control programme.
Key Features
Research Mandate: Conducts and coordinates cancer research to identify the most prevalent cancer types in Nigeria and develop effective interventions. Treatment Services: Provides advanced cancer treatment services including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery at national centres. Capacity Building: Trains oncologists, nurses, and allied health personnel in cancer care. National Cancer Registry: Maintains a national cancer registry to track incidence, prevalence, and treatment outcomes.
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Active - NICRAT is establishing operational centres Coverage: Nationwide, with centres in multiple geopolitical zones Beneficiaries: All Nigerians affected by or at risk of cancer Funding: Federal Government appropriations; donor support
How to Access
Referral from a general hospital or specialist Registration at a NICRAT treatment centre National Health Insurance Scheme may cover some treatment costs Application method: Access services through NICRAT's national headquarters or zonal cancer treatment centres.
Impact & Metrics
Expanded cancer treatment capacity and research output in Nigeria; reduced referrals abroad for cancer care.
Official Resources
Website: https://www.nicrat.gov.ng Contact: National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT)
Legal Framework
The National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment Act establishes the Institute under statute. It operates under the National Health Act 2014, the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act, and the National Cancer Control Plan. The Tertiary Education Trust Fund Act 2011 supports infrastructure development, and the Institute aligns with WHO's Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of NCDs and the UICC (Union for International Cancer Control) framework.