In 2023, when President Bola Tinubu announced the appointment of Dr. Tunji Alausa as the State Minister of Health and Social Welfare, it was met with widespread acclaim.
The decision was hailed as a masterstroke, with many describing it as a “round peg in a round hole.”
This accolade was not just due to Dr Alausa’s esteemed reputation but also his remarkable contributions to the health sector, which made his new role a natural extension of his career achievements.
Dr Tunji Alausa, before his appointment, had already established himself as a prominent figure in the healthcare field. His illustrious career includes founding the Kidney Care Center in the United States, a testament to his pioneering spirit in nephrology.
His expertise and commitment to improving kidney care have been recognized across continents, making him a leading authority in his field.
Upon assuming office, Dr Alausa exhibited an exceptional capacity to effect change swiftly.
In less than a year, his influence on Nigeria’s healthcare sector became palpable.
His approach, marked by strategic initiatives and a visionary outlook, set the stage for a revolution in healthcare delivery across the nation.
Dr Alausa’s tenure has been characterized by several groundbreaking initiatives that proves his commitment to transforming Nigeria’s health landscape.
One of the most notable programmes introduced under his leadership is the National Health Fellows Programme. This initiative aims to engage young Nigerian professionals in all 774 local government areas, ensuring transparent and accountable use of healthcare funds.
This grassroots approach reflects a profound commitment to enhancing the efficiency of healthcare fund management and fostering local involvement in health sector reforms.
Moreover, Dr. Alausa has spearheaded a significant expansion in healthcare infrastructure and human resources. The enrollment in medical institutions has doubled, and there has been a substantial increase in nursing school capacities.
These efforts address the critical human resource gaps in the healthcare sector, enhancing the quality and accessibility of care for Nigerians.
A landmark achievement during Dr. Alausa’s tenure is the record-high budget allocation to the healthcare sector, the highest in over two decades.
This unprecedented investment is directed towards upgrading infrastructure, procuring state-of-the-art medical equipment, and recruiting additional healthcare personnel.
The increased budget reflects a renewed confidence in Nigeria’s healthcare system, with more international patients seeking care within the country.
Dr. Alausa has also tackled pressing health issues, including infectious diseases and health challenges like human trafficking and violence. His strategy for malaria elimination, which includes the introduction of a malaria vaccine, demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to addressing long-standing health challenges.
In addition, the establishment of a 20-member Digital Health Committee marks a significant step towards integrating digital health solutions, addressing fragmentation within the healthcare sector, and fostering innovation.
President Tinubu’s vision for a renewed health sector is being realized through substantial upgrades to health infrastructure.
The initiative includes the establishment of oncology and nuclear medicine centers at major teaching hospitals across Nigeria.
This expansion aims to provide world-class cancer diagnosis and care, improving access to essential services across all geopolitical zones.
Also, ten critical healthcare service expansion projects in radiology, clinical pathology, and cardiac catheterization are underway in hospitals across the country.
These projects reflect a strategic effort to enhance diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities, addressing critical healthcare needs in various regions.
Dr. Tunji Alausa’s appointment as Nigeria’s State Minister of Health and Social Welfare has been a resounding success.
His visionary leadership, strategic initiatives, and commitment to healthcare reform have set a new standard for excellence in Nigeria’s health sector. As he continues to drive transformative changes, his efforts promise to pave the way for a healthier and more prosperous future for all Nigerians.
One of the most noteworthy achievements under Dr. Tunji Alausa’s stewardship is the establishment of a new Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Epe, Lagos. This initiative marks a historic milestone for the region, which has long grappled with inadequate healthcare facilities.
The approval of this FMC in Epe has been met with widespread acclaim from local residents, who have historically struggled with limited access to quality healthcare services.
The new centre is poised to be a transformative addition to the healthcare infrastructure in Lagos State, addressing long-standing gaps in medical care and service delivery in the region.
The centre is expected to become a hub for cutting-edge medical research and advanced treatment options, furthering President Tinubu’s vision of enhancing healthcare quality across Nigeria.
In addition to the Epe FMC, the federal government has approved several other FMCs across Nigeria, as part of an ambitious effort to overhaul and expand the country’s healthcare infrastructure.
This initiative reflects a strategic approach to improving healthcare delivery and ensuring equitable access to high-quality medical services across all geopolitical zones.
The approved FMCs will focus on critical areas of healthcare, including oncology, radiology, and cardiac care. The following facilities have been earmarked for significant upgrades:
- University of Benin Teaching Hospital – Development of oncology and nuclear medicine centers.
- Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital – Expansion of diagnostic and treatment capabilities.
- University of Nigeria (Nsukka) Teaching Hospital – Enhanced services in cancer care and radiology.
- Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina – Upgrades in diagnostic and therapeutic infrastructure.
- University of Jos Teaching Hospital – Expansion of medical and radiation oncology services.
- Lagos University Teaching Hospital – Introduction of advanced oncology and diagnostic facilities.
Also, ten hospitals across Nigeria will benefit from expansion projects in fields such as radiology, clinical pathology, and cardiac catheterization. These projects are strategically distributed across all geopolitical zones to ensure broad-based access to essential healthcare services:
- North-West: Reference Hospital, Kaduna – Radiology, clinical pathology, medical and radiation oncology.
- South-East: Medical Diagnostic Centre Complex, Enugu – Comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic services.
- North-West: Usman Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto – Diagnostic and intervention radiology, clinical pathology, and cardiac catheterization.
- South-West: University College Hospital, Ibadan – Diagnostic and intervention radiology, clinical pathology, and cardiac catheterization.
- South-South: University of Uyo Teaching Hospital – Radiology and clinical pathology.
- North-East: Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi – Radiology and clinical pathology.
- South-South: Federal Medical Centre, Asaba – Radiology and clinical pathology.
Dr. Tunji Alausa: A Portrait of Excellence
Dr. Tunji Alausa’s journey is a testament to his tireless dedication and exceptional expertise in the medical field.
He obtained his Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from the University of Lagos in 1993 and went on to complete a residency in Internal Medicine at Cook County Hospital in Chicago from 1997 to 2001.
During his time at Cook County, he served as Chief Medical Resident, where he was responsible for coordinating training programs for interns and residents while also serving as an Attending Physician.
Dr. Alausa further honed his skills with specialized training in Nephrology and Hypertension at the prestigious Medical College of Wisconsin from July 2002 to June 2004. 
His commitment to advancing medical knowledge and patient care is also reflected in his role as an Assistant Professor at Rush University Medical School.
His remarkable contributions extend beyond his clinical practice. Dr. Alausa has been recognized as one of America’s Best Physicians in 2007 and 2012.
His philanthropic efforts have significantly impacted underserved communities, providing optimal care for patients with chronic kidney disease and creating job opportunities.
He has also published several influential medical papers, some appearing in the New England Journal of Medicine.
In addition to his professional achievements, Dr. Alausa is actively involved in philanthropic organizations such as the Eko Club International and Lagosians of Chicago.
His leadership in these organizations has included leading medical missions from the US to Lagos State, further demonstrating his commitment to global healthcare improvements.
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