FG To Establish 10 Oncology, Diagnostic Centers, Retrain 120,000 Health Workers

The federal government has said 10 oncology and diagnostic centers will be built across the country, while 120,000 health workers will be retrained.

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

He noted that the programme will improve the health and social well-being of Nigerians, drive economic development, and position the country as a healthcare hub within Africa.

Speaking at the launch of the initiatives, in Bauchi State; President Tinubu, who was represented by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, said the new projects will complement the ongoing expansion of cancer infrastructure and equipment in six federal teaching hospitals.

The President explained that beyond providing essential healthcare to Nigerians, these facilities will reverse the trend of outbound medical tourism.

The President also said 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, in addition to enhancing 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.

“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.

“The Compact with State Governors and Development Partners, being deployed as the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp), has been crucial in advancing our health sector. These frameworks have fostered collaboration, alignment, and accountability, ensuring our collective efforts are harmonized towards achieving our health goals,” Pate said.