FG to establish 10 ‘world-class’ oncology, diagnostic centres, retrain 120,000 health workers

The federal government has unveiled two healthcare initiatives to improve the well-being of Nigerians.

Speaking at the launch on Friday in Bauchi, President Bola Tinubu, represented by Ali Pate, minister of health, said the projects will complement the ongoing expansion of cancer infrastructure and equipment in six federal teaching hospitals.

Through the first initiative — the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) healthcare expansion programme — ten world-class healthcare facilities specialising in oncology and diagnostics will be established across the nation’s six geopolitical zones.

The president said in addition to providing essential healthcare to Nigerians, the facilities will reverse the trend of outbound medical tourism.

He said upon completion of the first phase, the NSIA, through Medserve, its subsidiary, will operate the largest chain of oncology and diagnostic centres in West Africa.

He said the centres will have the capacity to train up to 500 clinicians over three years and will enhance clinical trial and research capabilities.

“I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the coordinating minister of health and social welfare, the coordinating minister of the economy, and the NSIA for their vision, innovation, and dedication to making this programme a reality,” the president was quoted as saying.

“Through inter-sectoral partnerships like these, we can achieve significant healthcare and economic outcomes.

“This programme will serve as a blueprint for future healthcare infrastructure projects, propelling us towards our national healthcare goals: saving lives, reducing suffering, and ensuring health for all Nigerians.”

The president said through the second initiative, 120,000 frontline health workers will be retrained.

Tinubu said equipping health workers with the latest skills and knowledge will ensure they are well-prepared to meet the evolving healthcare needs of Nigerians.

“I am proud of the remarkable progress we are making, particularly in unlocking healthcare value chains, restructuring the basic health care provision fund to expand access to primary health care by all Nigerians, expanding health insurance, and enhancing health human resources,” he said

“By making universal health coverage a priority at all levels, this administration aims to foster a vibrant workforce and drive greater economic and social development for the Nigerian people.”