Veteran actor says Leukemia drug costs N1.7 million

The talented veteran has now revealed that he lives on a drug called Gleevec, which costs about 1.7 million naira.

Although Daba gets the drug free-of-charge from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, courtesy of a foreign foundation, it is still very expensive to purchase off the counter.

“To get the drug at OAU, you have to go through a process of evaluation. Then you are recommended to the foundation that supplies the drug," he said to Punch.

"But, if you are going to buy it off the counter, a pack of it will cost you about N1.7m. And this will last for three months,”

Daba found out about his ailment toward the end of 2015, after he thought he had malaria and went to a hospital in Abuja for a test.

After series of tests, he was advised by the doctor to seek help from a University Teaching Hospital.

“Then I went to the Dermatology Unit of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital and it was confirmed that I had leukaemia."

"Fortunately, the disease was not overblown yet. It was still at the early and manageable stage. I was placed on drugs,” he said.

In 2016, Daba had a relapse and was rushed to the LASUTH Emergency Unit. During his stay, he was recognized by the chief medical director of the hospital, who slashed his bill.

“It was nice that he visited the ward at that point because my bill was almost over N1m. The good doctor went on to slash the entire bill by 50 per cent. I will never forget that,” he said.

A news anchor, reporter, actor and editor, Sadiq's role as Bitrus in the 1970s drama “Cockcrow at Dawn” brought his acting career into the limelight.

In 2016, Sadiq Daba received the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to the growth of the Nigerian film industry.

The renowned veteran is also popular for films and soap operas including: "Behind the Clouds", "October 1," "A Place like Home", "Soweto", and "Moment of Truth".