In a move to revamp Nigeria’s healthcare landscape, President Bola Tinubu has sanctioned the immediate enhancement of crucial health infrastructure and facilities spanning all six geo-political zones.
In a statement by his Special Adviser to President on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, said this initiative underscores the administration’s commitment to reforming the health and social welfare sector to ensure improved service delivery nationwide.
Under the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative spearheaded by President Tinubu, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, in collaboration with the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), will embark on a comprehensive upgrade of cancer treatment infrastructure and other vital developments across six tertiary hospitals distributed across various geopolitical zones. Additionally, existing investments will undergo renovation and expansion to bolster widespread access to top-tier healthcare services across the federation.
The identified teaching hospitals, strategically located across the geo-political zones, are slated for the establishment of oncology and nuclear medicine centers. This strategic move aims to democratize access to world-class cancer diagnosis and treatment throughout the country. The designated institutions include:
University of Benin Teaching Hospital
Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital
University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (Nsukka)
Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina
University of Jos Teaching Hospital
Lagos University Teaching Hospital
Furthermore, ten critical healthcare service expansion projects spanning radiology, clinical pathology, medical and radiation oncology, and cardiac catheterization will be implemented across ten hospitals representing all geo-political zones:
North-West: Reference Hospital, Kaduna
South-East: Medical Diagnostic Centre Complex, Enugu
North-West: Usman Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto
South-West: University College Hospital, Ibadan
South-South: University of Uyo Teaching Hospital
North-East: Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi
South-South: Federal Medical Centre, Asaba
North-Central: Harmony Advanced Diagnostic Centre Complex, Ilorin
North-Central: Jos University Teaching Hospital
North-East: Federal Medical Centre, Nguru
Ngelale, said these ambitious projects are slated for completion within 12-18 months and are poised to enhance screening and diagnostics for both communicable and non-communicable diseases. Moreover, they aim to reduce mortality rates while improving outcomes for non-communicable diseases.
He added that the initiative is expected to generate significant employment opportunities for clinical, administrative, and managerial personnel across all six geo-political zones. It will also bolster the capacity of clinical personnel in advanced procedures, diagnostics, and treatment modalities, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
