The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) is encouraging parents with children suffering from cancer to register with the scheme to ensure effective treatment of the disease.

Chairman of the Governing Board of the NHIA, Dr. Ernest Kwarko says early detection of childhood cancers is vital for successful treatment.

He was speaking at a childhood cancer awareness walk in Kumasi.

The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has begun covering some childhood cancers.

These comprise Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia, Burkitt Lymphoma, Retinoblastoma and Wilms Tumor.

These four cancers are said to constitute approximately 60 percent of all Childhood Cancers and are highly curable if detected early.

The walk saw participants tour the principal streets of the Central Business District and Bantama township amidst brass band music to raise awareness of the disease and the intervention by the Authority.

“Childhood cancer, when detected early, is completely curable. Every child that has cancer must register with the scheme and even children who don’t have cancer because you don’t know when your child will need it,” said Dr. Ernest Kwarko.

Head of the paediatric oncology Unit at the Komfo Anokye teaching hospital, Dr. Vivian Paintsil was worried inadequate spaces hindered the management of patients.

He called on benevolent individuals and institutions to help create more spaces.

“We have a very small space for them, just a 10-bed unit, and when they come from far away, it becomes difficult for the mothers to sleep over. So, we want people to help us build a mother’s hostel,” she pleaded.