Hajiya Hadiza Bello-Yero, a cervical cancer survivor, has established a cancer diagnostic centre in Jalingo, Taraba capital, for early detection and treatment of the deadly disease.
Bello-Yero confirmed this when she conducted a correspondent round the temporary site of the “Fhamas Cancer Diagnostics Centre” situated at Number 17, Buba Ardo Road in Jalingo on Wednesday.
She said that the pain of cancer, the cost of treatment and lack of easy access to facilities were some of the factors that compelled her to establish the centre.
“As an architect I had nothing to do with the medical line until 2014 when I was diagnosed with Cancer of the Cervix.
“I underwent my surgery in Nigeria, precisely Gwagwalada Specialist, now Teaching Hospital in Abuja.
“Thereafter I was advised to go for further treatment abroad if I could afford,” she told our correspondent.
The cancer survivor said because she had the resources, she went to the American Hospital in Dubai where she had her Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy treatments and later travelled to Abudhabi for Brachytherapy treatment.
“So within one year and with good attention I was declared cancer free.
“It was then that the idea of setting up a cancer diagnosis and treatment centre came to my mind.
“Based on my experience, I discovered that we don’t have a comprehensive cancer centre in Nigeria and as a result many people die of the treatable disease,” she explained.
She said the centre was aimed at helping those who could not afford to travel abroad to access treatment at lesser cost.
“They will also access medical services without having to pay much money.
“Because of the limited number of machines we have in this part of the country you find out that so many patients die while waiting on the queue.
“We need to have a complete treatment centre where you diagnose, detect and treat cancer patients at an affordable price,” she further explained.
According to Bello-Yero, she procured machines for the laboratory where preliminary testing for early detection can take place.
She added that UltraSound Scanners and ECG Machine have been installed, while awaiting the arrival of Digital mobile x-ray machine and Mammography Machine that would take care of related complications especially in women.
The 55-year-old proprietor and mother of five said: “My dream is to develop to a level where we can engage in the training of young doctors and nurses in the area of Oncology and Radiology without resorting to travel abroad.
“I took interest in this project because I am a victim, I know what is called cancer, the treatment of cancer alone is killing not to talk of cancer itself.
“I remember two years after my treatment, I was not myself. I was indoors for one year because my immunity was completely down and I could easily get infected.”
She disclosed that currently the centre has one doctor, two medical laboratory scientists, two technical assistants, nurses and few other supporting staff, while a Consultant from the Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital has been engaged to be visiting regularly.
While describing the way cancer patients were handled in the country as pathetic, she called on the Federal Government and other NGOs to come to the aid of the project to enable it reduce the cost of treatment for cancer patients in the country.
“I have already acquired about four hectares of land here in Jalingo where I intend to build a permanent site.
“It will be a complete cancer centre with all facilities including a 3-star hotel accommodation, treatment centre, research centre, rehabilitation centre, and doctors and nurses quarters.
“My hope is that one day people from America or England can come here for treatment and that is the idea of having a 3-star hotel within the master plan for our permanent site,” Bello-Yero said.
