By Adeola Ogunlade
In a significant move to address gaps in healthcare accessibility, ResQ Health has launched an initiative to provide free breast cancer screenings for 500 women across Nigeria.
The initiative was officially kicked off in collaboration with Marigold Hospital in Surulere, Lagos, where over 60 women participated in screenings on the first day.
This campaign, which coincided with World Radiography Day, is focused on raising awareness about the importance of early cancer detection and is themed “Promoting the Profession.”
Bayo Oke, Founder and Managing Director of ResQ Health Africa, shared alarming statistics about the prevalence of breast cancer in Nigeria. According to Oke, breast cancer accounts for 18.1% of all cancer-related deaths in the country, which has one of the world’s highest age-standardized mortality rates for breast cancer—and the highest rate in Africa.
Oke explained that the initiative is part of ResQ Health’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts to support women, particularly those in vulnerable communities. “Early detection is key to preventing breast cancer fatalities,” Oke emphasized.
“Breast cancer is much more treatable when caught early, before it spreads. That’s why we’re offering free mammograms to 500 women across different communities to raise awareness and make screenings accessible to those who need them.”
One of the key challenges Oke highlighted is the financial barrier many women face in accessing breast cancer screenings. The typical cost of a mammogram in Nigeria is around ₦30,000, which is out of reach for many women, especially those in low-income communities. “We are working to make these screenings available at no cost, and we are committed to sustaining this effort across various communities in the long term,” he said.
In addition to the screenings, Oke also called attention to the broader issue of the healthcare sector’s challenges, specifically the shortage of radiographers in Nigeria. With fewer than 6,000 radiographers in the country, many skilled professionals are leaving Nigeria for better opportunities abroad due to poor compensation and limited support. Oke emphasized that radiographers play a crucial role in using precision imaging technology for patient care, and their work requires a high level of expertise and access to expensive equipment.
“Radiographers are essential to modern healthcare,” Oke explained. “About 80% of hospital patients require some form of imaging, with costs ranging from ₦6,000 to ₦40,000 for basic x-rays, and specialized imaging can cost up to ₦80,000. Yet, these services are not commonly available at primary healthcare centers, which drives up the cost of healthcare overall.”
Oke also expressed concern about the ongoing brain drain in Nigeria’s healthcare sector, attributing it to low wages, difficult working conditions, and a lack of infrastructure. He pointed out that Nigerian doctors are among the lowest paid in Africa, which often results in insecurity and low morale within the healthcare workforce.
“Nigerian doctors are facing an incredibly challenging environment with insufficient pay and resources, while healthcare technology remains expensive due to unfavorable exchange rates,” Oke said. “In contrast, doctors around the world are highly respected, well-compensated, and have access to better resources. Nigeria must urgently address the need for fair working conditions and improve healthcare infrastructure to avoid an impending crisis.”
Oke concluded by urging the Nigerian government to prioritize healthcare workers’ welfare and ensure that issues affecting the sector are not politicized. “Healthcare workers are the backbone of our medical system, and it’s time the government recognizes their efforts and provides the support they deserve,” he said.
He further said that ResQ Health’s initiative to provide free breast cancer screenings is a timely reminder of the importance of early detection and the need to invest in the health of women across Nigeria. With continued support, the programme aims to make significant strides in raising awareness and improving access to life-saving screenings.
“ResQ Health’s mission is to democratize healthcare access for people from all walks of life, ensuring that quality healthcare is available to individuals across all regions and socioeconomic backgrounds”, he said.
