How to apply for free health fund in Nigeria is very easy, but unfortunately, not every Nigerians knows about this health funding which is sponsored by the the Nigerian government.
The first health funding we shall consider I’m this article, is the Cancer Health Fund.
In Nigeria ,cancer diagnosis has historically been met with a mix of fear and financial despair. With treatment costs often running into millions of Naira, many families are forced to choose between life-saving care and financial ruin. However, in recent years, the Federal Government has introduced significant interventions to change this narrative.
This article from VDM (verified daily Medicals), explores the Cancer Health Fund (CHF), and other health funds, how you can apply for it, where to find participating hospitals across Nigeria, and other government-funded health initiatives designed to make medical treatment affordable for every citizen.
1. What is the Cancer Health Fund ?
The Cancer Health Fund (CHF) is an initiative of the Federal Ministry of Health, now administered by the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT). It is a social intervention program aimed at providing funded treatment to indigent (low-income) Nigerians diagnosed with the most common cancers in the country.
Eligibility
To be eligible for this fund, you must be a patient of the following type of cancer:
- Breast Cancer
- Cervical Cancer
- Prostate Cancer
To qualify for health fund in Nigeria, a patient must be a Nigerian citizen and must be confirmed as “indigent” through a social assessment process.
2. How to Apply for free health fund in Nigeria (Cancer Funding)
The application process is designed to be accessible but requires careful documentation to ensure the funds reach those who truly need them.
Step 1: Hospital Evaluation
You cannot apply for the fund from home without a clinical diagnosis. Visit the Oncology (Cancer) Department of any of the accredited federal hospitals (listed below). A consultant will confirm your diagnosis and medical history.
Step 2: Online Registration
Once your doctor confirms you are eligible, you or your caregiver must register on the official CHF portal: nchf.emgeresources.com.
- You will need a valid email and phone number.
- You will be asked to upload your medical reports and a form of identification.
Step 3: Social Assessment
After registration, a Medical Social Worker at the hospital will interview you. Their job is to verify your financial status to confirm that you cannot afford the treatment on your own.
Step 4: Approval and Treatment
Once the committee reviews your application and approves it, a specific amount is credited to your “wallet” on the portal. This money is not given to you in cash; instead, it is used to pay for your surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy directly at the hospital.
3. Where to Go: Participating Hospitals Across Nigeria
The government is currently expanding its oncology centers. While the program started in six pilot hospitals, it has grown significantly. Under the “Renewed Hope” agenda, the goal is to have specialized centers accessible to all 36 states. Below are the key hospitals and regions where you can currently access these funds and advanced treatments:
| Region | Key Participating Hospitals & Locations |
|---|---|
| North Central | National Hospital (Abuja), University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (Gwagwalada), Jos University Teaching Hospital (Plateau), Federal Medical Centre (Bida/Minna). |
| North West | Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (Zaria), Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (Kano), Federal Teaching Hospital (Katsina). |
| North East | Federal Teaching Hospital (Gombe), University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (Borno), Federal Medical Centre (Yola). |
| South West | Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), University College Hospital (Ibadan), Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (Ile-Ife), Federal Medical Centre (Ebute Metta). |
| South East | University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (Enugu/Nsukka), Federal Teaching Hospital (Abakaliki), Federal Medical Centre (Owerri). |
| South South | University of Benin Teaching Hospital (Benin City), University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (Rivers), University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (Cross River). |
Note: As of 2026, the government is commissioning 10 additional ultra-modern oncology centers to ensure that patients do not have to travel long distances for radiotherapy.
4. Other Health Issues Funded By Nigerian Government
While cancer is a major focus, the Nigerian government provides several other avenues for affordable healthcare through the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).
A. The Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF)
This fund is designed to provide a “Basic Minimum Package” of health services to all Nigerians, particularly the poor and vulnerable.
- What it covers: Treatment for malaria, pneumonia, high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes screening, and basic emergency care.
- Maternal Health: Free or highly subsidized antenatal care, delivery, and postnatal care for women.
- Child Health: Immunizations and treatment for common childhood illnesses (0-5 years).
- How to access: Visit any Primary Health Care (PHC) center in your local government that displays the BHCPF logo.
B. The Cancer Access Partnership (CAP)
This is a separate program between the government and pharmaceutical companies like Roche and Pfizer. It reduces the cost of expensive cancer drugs by up to 50%. Even if you are not fully funded by the CHF, you can ask your doctor for “CAP drugs” to significantly lower your medication bill.
C. Free Screening Programs
Every February (World Cancer Month), the Federal Ministry of Health launches nationwide free screening for breast and cervical cancer. In 2026, this program expanded to provide free screening for 1,000 individuals per geopolitical zone.
D. Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)
The government, in partnership with international donors, provides free treatment for diseases like:
- Elephantiasis (Lymphatic Filariasis)
- River Blindness (Onchocerciasis)
- Trachoma
- Intestinal Worms
5. Tips on how to apply for free health fund in Nigeria
- Start Early: Do not wait until the cancer is at an advanced stage. The fund is most effective when used for early-stage treatments.
- Be Honest: During the social assessment, be truthful about your income. The fund is strictly for those who cannot pay.
- Follow Up: The portal can sometimes have technical issues. Always stay in close contact with the Social Welfare Department of your chosen hospital; they are your primary advocates.
How to Apply:
1. Sample Appeal Letter for Medical Assistance
You should submit this letter to the Head of Medical Social Services at any of the participating Federal Teaching Hospitals. Ensure you attach your medical reports and proof of income (or an affidavit of indigence).
[Your Name] [Your Home Address] [Your Phone Number] [Date]
To: The Head of Medical Social Services,
[Name of Hospital, e.g., Lagos University Teaching Hospital],
[City/State].
SUBJECT: APPEAL FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND ENROLLMENT IN THE CANCER HEALTH FUND (CHF)
Dear Sir/Ma,
I am writing to formally request financial assistance for my medical treatment. I was recently diagnosed with [Type of Cancer, e.g., Stage 2 Breast Cancer] at this hospital (Folder Number: [Insert Folder No]).
As a [State your occupation, e.g., petty trader/unemployed] with a monthly income of [Insert Amount], I am unable to afford the cost of the prescribed chemotherapy and radiotherapy sessions, which are estimated at [Insert Amount]. My family has exhausted our savings on initial tests and diagnosis.
I have registered on the Cancer Health Fund portal and wish to be assessed by your department for eligibility. I am committed to following the treatment plan and hope for your kind consideration to enable me to access these life-saving funds.
Attached are copies of my medical reports and a valid ID. Thank you for your time and the compassionate work you do.
Yours faithfully,
(Signature) [Your Full Name]
2. State Health Insurance (NHIA) Contact Directory
If you are looking for general health funding (not just for cancer), these NHIA State Coordinators can guide you on how to enroll in the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).
| State | Office Address | Phone / WhatsApp |
|---|---|---|
| Abuja (HQ) | Plot 297 Shehu Yar’adua Way, Utako | 0806 574 4100 |
| Lagos (Ikeja) | 112 Awolowo Way, Ikeja | 0814 397 5554 |
| Enugu | No. 12/14 Colliery Avenue, GRA | 0803 311 3861 |
| Kano | No. 107 Magajin Rumfa Rd, Nassarawa GRA | 0803 644 6500 |
| Kaduna | No. 1 Idoma Street, Marafa Estate | 0802 322 2661 |
| Rivers | 12 Igbodo Street, Old GRA, Port Harcourt | 0803 310 4147 |
| Imo | No. 2 Shell Camp Road, Owerri | 0803 564 9357 |
| Oyo | No. 15B, Rotimi Williams Ave, Bodija, Ibadan | 0803 324 0773 |
3. Important Contact for CHF Support
If you encounter technical issues while registering on the CHF portal (nchf.emgeresources.com), you can contact the dedicated help desk:
- CHF Support Line: 0913 712 5415 (Mon–Fri, 8 am – 5 pm)
Doctor Brandy Harmon 
