The Nordica Fibroid Care Centre has called on the Federal Government to include fibroid treatment in the national health insurance scheme to make it more accessible and affordable for women.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja, the Chief Executive Officer of the centre, Dr Abayomi Ajayi, described it as unacceptable for any woman to die from uterine fibroids when science has already provided safer, less invasive treatment options.

He explained that the centre had earlier engaged the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) on the need to expand insurance coverage to include fibroid treatment and may revisit discussions to achieve progress.

“The direction to go is health insurance, and it is a government responsibility. If the government expands health insurance, healthcare will become more affordable to Nigerians,” Ajayi said.

He highlighted the advantages of High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU), a non-invasive technology that requires no surgery, needles, or incisions, and allows patients to resume normal life within 24–48 hours. Unlike surgery, HIFU eliminates the risk of blood loss and organ damage while preserving fertility.

Ajayi disclosed that the centre recorded 100 successful HIFU treatments in Abuja within one year and more than 670 in its Lagos facility in four years. He, however, lamented that access to the procedure remains limited due to high cost and low public awareness.

“In spite of the advantages that HIFU has over other procedures, awareness is still very low. We also provide psychological support for some patients whose quality of life has been affected by fibroids,” he added.

Ajayi further revealed that Nordica is exploring other applications of HIFU, including cancer treatment, with plans to expand into such areas by late next year. He noted that over 40 countries currently use HIFU and regularly share experiences and progress.

Also speaking, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at the centre, Dr John Bakut, said many women desire HIFU treatment for fibroids and adenomyosis but are constrained by cost. He urged Health Management Organisations (HMOs) to invest in the procedure to make it more widely accessible.

Bakut reported that out of more than 100 fibroid patients treated with HIFU at the centre, none recorded morbidity or serious complications.

Minor side effects such as mild fever or abdominal pain resolved within a week, with no cases requiring blood transfusion or resuscitation. He added that patients are also advised on lifestyle modifications to support recovery, particularly in the breakdown of dead fibroid cells and the shrinkage process.