Soaring Costs of Fibroid Treatment Burden Nigerian Women

The cost of treating uterine fibroids in Nigeria has skyrocketed, placing a significant financial strain on women battling this common condition. Treatment options now range from N700,000 for open surgeries in public hospitals to a staggering N3 million for non-invasive procedures in private facilities. This surge in cost, coupled with rising inflation and a struggling healthcare system, leaves many women unable to access necessary care.

Fibroids, non-cancerous growths in the uterus, are prevalent among women of reproductive age. According to a 2022 study published in the Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice, approximately 20-30% of Nigerian women are affected. More recent research indicates an even higher incidence among younger women, with one study finding a 51.9% incidence among women aged 26-35 and 44.6% among those aged 36-45. These figures underscore the urgency of addressing this health issue.

Surgical and Non-Invasive Options: A Steep Price to Pay

Findings by Nairametrics reveal that traditional surgical procedures like myomectomy and hysterectomy now cost between N700,000 and N1.5 million in public hospitals. In private hospitals, these costs can escalate to N2.5 million or more, depending on the complexity of the case and the hospital’s location. Non-invasive procedures, such as Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), Laparoscopic surgery, and High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU), come with an even higher price tag, ranging from N2 million to N3 million.

This financial burden is exacerbated by the fact that only 5-10% of Nigerians have health insurance, forcing the vast majority to pay out-of-pocket. At the Fibroids Care Centre at Nordica in Lagos, over 580 successful HIFU treatments, each costing N2 million plus a N60,000 registration fee, represent a total expenditure of N1.16 billion—a testament to the enormous financial strain on patients.

Dr. Benjamin Oluwatosin Olowojebutu, founder of the Benjamin Olowojebutu Foundation (BOF), confirms the escalating costs. He notes that in mainland Lagos, surgical costs range from N700,000 to N1 million, while on the island, they can reach N3 million, depending on the size of the fibroids. His foundation assists women who cannot afford treatment, particularly those in urban areas.

Regional disparities further complicate the issue. Myomectomy costs range from N800,000 to N900,000 in northern cities like Kano and Kaduna, due to limited specialized care, while prices in Ibadan, Port Harcourt, and Abuja hover around N900,000-N909,500.

The Impact on Women’s Lives

The high cost of treatment forces many women to delay seeking care, leading to worsening symptoms and potential complications. Diagnostic procedures like ultrasounds and MRIs, costing N20,000 to N50,000 per session, are also often out of reach.

Even for those with insurance, coverage may be insufficient. For example, AVON retail plans only cover major surgeries up to N1 million for their Executive Boss plan and N750,000 for their Boss Life plan, leaving other plans without coverage for these procedures.

One patient, who wished to remain anonymous, shared that even with subsidized treatment through a foundation, the costs were still a significant burden. Another woman in Abuja, Chidinma, expressed her desperation, stating that the nearly N1 million required for surgery is far beyond her savings. She has been enduring painful symptoms for two years due to her inability to afford treatment.

Understanding Fibroids and the Need for Action

Dr. Olowojebutu explains that fibroids are increasingly being diagnosed in younger women, even in their 20s. Common symptoms include prolonged and heavy menstrual bleeding, pain, and in some cases, infertility. He emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis through sonography, as delaying treatment can lead to serious complications like kidney failure. He also notes that lifestyle factors, including diet and increased use of contraceptives, may contribute to the rising prevalence.

Dr. Mary Owoseye, a gynecologist, calls for urgent action from both the government and private sector. She stresses the need for increased investment in accessible and affordable healthcare, as well as research into alternative treatments. The rising cost of fibroid treatment in Nigeria represents a significant public health challenge, demanding immediate attention and comprehensive solutions.