Project PINK BLUE, an NGO, has advocated adequate care for cancer patients and people living with other underlying health conditions from contracting the coronavirus disease.
Mr Runcie Chidebe, the Executive Director of the organisation made the appeal in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
Chidebe, who said that these categories of people were at greater risk of contracting the virus, however, emphasised the need for special treatment and care for them.
According to him, the use of telemedicine, which allows patients in different locations to access medical expertise quickly without having to travel should be strongly encouraged.
“Some cancer treatments including chemotherapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy and radiation can weaken the immune system.
“People who have weakened immune systems have a much higher risk of complications if they become infected with this coronavirus.
“People with cancer that has metastasized – spread to the lungs also can have lung problems that may get worse as a result of coronavirus infection.
“For this reason, cancer patients and other people living with underlying conditions are people with the most risk of getting coronavirus or referred to as shielded or extremely vulnerable people.
“The government needs to urgently procure telemedicine to care for these people living with underlying conditions, because if cancer is not treated, it continues to spread to other vital organs,” Chidebe said.
The executive director commended all oncologists in the country who had taken it upon themselves to speak with their cancer patients on phone.
He also appreciated the NCDC and frontline health workers for caring for people infected with the virus. (NAN)
Credit: NAN