Nigeria’s Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, has announced the successful delivery of over 500 health sector projects, including the commissioning of three world-class cancer treatment centres, within the first two years of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking on Thursday at the inauguration of a state-of-the-art oncology centre at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) in Edo State, Prof. Pate described the milestones as a decisive shift from rhetoric to impactful action.
“In two years, we have embarked on a landmark transformation of Nigeria’s health sector,” he said.
The newly unveiled oncology centre is the third of its kind, with additional centres under development in Zaria, Jos, and Lagos to enhance cancer care nationwide.
Over 500 Projects Across Hospitals and Primary Healthcare Centres. Prof. Pate highlighted that 501 projects have been executed across 61 federal tertiary hospitals, alongside the revitalisation of numerous primary healthcare centres across Nigeria.
He attributed the rapid development to President Tinubu’s resolve to prioritise citizens’ well-being.
“We have spent decades without investing in this manner. But this President decided to take the bull by the horns,” he noted.
Economic Reforms Unlock Funding for Healthcare
The minister credited the administration’s economic reforms for creating fiscal space that has enabled expanded investment in critical sectors, including health and education.
“Thanks to the coordinating minister of the economy and his team, the painful reforms are bearing fruit. This is how the resources are now available for investment,” he added.
He revealed that through the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), world-class oncology equipment was procured at a 30% discount, ensuring cost efficiency while meeting global standards.
Nigerians No Longer Need to Travel Abroad for Cancer Treatment
Also speaking at the event, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, emphasised that the reforms were already yielding tangible benefits.
“Today, Nigerians no longer have to travel abroad to access cancer treatment. These centres now provide prevention, treatment, and survivorship support right here at home,” he said.
He urged continuous maintenance of the facilities to ensure their sustainability.
UBTH CMD: A Game-Changer for Oncology Care
Prof. Darlington Obaseki, Chief Medical Director of UBTH, described the new oncology centre as a product of visionary leadership and strategic partnerships. He noted that the centre addresses a decade-long gap in radiotherapy services, especially in southern Nigeria.
“Our cobalt radiation machine was down for 10 years. Today, that challenge has been resolved,” he stated.
UBTH has treated over 4,300 cancer patients in 2024 alone, with more than 259 patients benefiting under the National Cancer Access Programme, where over N430 million has been spent on treatment and diagnostics.
Prof. Obaseki commended the Federal Government, NSIA, MedServe, and the Ministry of Health for their commitment to strengthening cancer care in Nigeria.
Credit: Nairametrics
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