The Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) and the Federal Ministry of Health have come together to establish a partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding. Their goal is to provide advanced cancer treatment technology to six tertiary hospitals across Nigeria. Chosen hospitals from the six geopolitical zones include University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina (FTHK), University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), and Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH).
Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) is also one of the selected tertiary teaching hospitals for the project. On March 24, 2024, Patricia Deworitshe, the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Health, announced that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was finalized and signed in Abuja on March 22, 2024, for the procurement. Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, also made an announcement at the signing event.
Equipping chosen hospitals with advanced medical technology.
He stated that in response to the rising number of cancer-related deaths, the Ministry of Health launched the oncology initiative in 2021. This initiative is focused on enhancing oncology care by making strategic investments in medical resources, such as establishing new oncology and nuclear medicine centres, updating current facilities, and providing advanced medical equipment to tertiary institutions involved in the program. Prof. Pate emphasized the significance of the event, referring to it as a crucial turning point.
This turning point would bring an end to the heart-breaking loss of millions of Nigerian lives, particularly those suffering from cancer. It was confirmed that before signing the project, consultations were done with all parties involved in the Initiative implementation. Approval from the Attorney General of the Federation was obtained, allowing the project to proceed at a budget of ₦38 billion. The Ministry also emphasized the importance of equipping chosen hospitals with advanced medical technology.
Chief Medical Directors of the hospitals will benefit from the initiative.
These technology include linear accelerators, iridium brachytherapy machines, CT simulators, PET scanners, and cyclotrons. They believe that this high-tech infrastructure is necessary for providing top-notch medical care. The Minister emphasized the importance of transparency in the Oncology Initiative, urging the EFCC, SON, and civil society groups to monitor the funds allocated to the project. He also encouraged the CSOs to ensure promotion of the initiative to the public as a way of advocating for its success.
During her opening speech, Daju Kachollom, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Services, expressed her joy regarding the project. She highlighted the importance of recognizing the advancements made in the upgrading of the six tertiary teaching hospitals. She emphasized that the decision reflects the dedication of the Federal Government to improving the quality of life for Nigerians, with a particular focus on enhancing healthcare infrastructure. The Chief Medical Directors of the teaching hospitals who will benefit from this initiative have conveyed their thanks to the Federal Government.
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Additionally, they emphasized how this gesture will greatly contribute to saving the lives of many Nigerians suffering from cancer. During his speech, Aminu Umar Sadiq, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), expressed his confidence that the upcoming commissioning of the facilities in the next 16 to 18 months will be a win for the citizens of Nigeria. He emphasized the transformative power of high-quality oncology facilities in the country.
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