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Tinubu Launches Healthcare Expansion, Promises 10 New Cancer Centers

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4 months ago

Aug 16, 2024.

The federal government has announced plans to establish 10 oncology and diagnostic centers across Nigeria and retrain 120,000 health workers.

President Bola Tinubu made this announcement on Friday during the launch of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA)-Healthcare Expansion Programme.

The President emphasized that the initiative aims to enhance the health and social well-being of Nigerians, stimulate economic growth, and position the country as a leading healthcare hub in Africa.

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Speaking at the launch in Bauchi State, President Tinubu, represented by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, stated that the new centers will complement the ongoing expansion of cancer treatment facilities in six federal teaching hospitals.

He highlighted that these projects are not only crucial for improving healthcare delivery but also for reducing the country’s dependence on outbound medical tourism. Additionally, upon completion, the oncology and diagnostic centers will be the largest in West Africa, with the capacity to train up to 500 clinicians over three years and boost 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. 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 first initiative — the Healthcare Expansion Programme — is a major milestone in the health sector as ten world-class healthcare facilities specializing in oncology and diagnostics will be established across the nation’s six geopolitical zones.

“The second initiative, the launch of the retraining of 120,000 frontline health workers, is a personal performance indicator for me as the African Union (AU) Champion for Human Resources for Health and Community Health Delivery Partnership. We all know that health workers and other professionals are the backbone of our healthcare system.

Tinubu Healthcare Expansion

“By equipping them with the latest skills and knowledge, we ensure they are well-prepared to meet the evolving healthcare needs of our population,” Tinubu said.

Ali Pate further explained that the country’s Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) has boosted the nation’s productivity as wealth depends on the vitality of the people.

He noted that basic healthcare is a fundamental human right, as well as a matter of long-term national security.

“The NHSRII has provided strategic direction for our health investments, focusing on critical areas such as maternal and child health, disease prevention, and health system strengthening.