In a major move to improve healthcare delivery and reduce the country’s reliance on overseas medical treatment, the Federal Government has inaugurated a modern cancer treatment facility at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State.
The newly commissioned Linear Accelerator and upgraded oncology infrastructure are part of efforts to equip Nigerian hospitals with advanced technologies and skilled personnel.
The government expressed concern over the rising cost of medical tourism, revealing that Nigerians have been spending more than $1 billion annually on healthcare abroad for the past 15 years.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, who was joined by Minister of Finance and Economy, Wale Edun, and Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stressed the Tinubu administration’s resolve to revamp the nation’s healthcare system.
“The President Bola Tinubu administration is passionate about changing the quality of healthcare in Nigeria,” Pate stated.
The facility was developed in partnership with the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) and Medserve, and is part of a broader federal initiative to enhance cancer treatment access across all regions of the country.
Highlighting the government’s increased investment in health, Pate explained:
“The President had, in the last two years, doubled the health budget, stressing that from about N1.7 billion last year, the budget was increased to about N2.3 billion this year.”
He also noted the rationale behind locating cancer treatment infrastructure across the country:
“The President means well for the people of Nigeria and had approved the installation of a modern linear accelerator in each of the country’s geopolitical zones based on his realisation that the major illness that takes Nigerians abroad was cancer.”
Meanwhile, the Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria (NAIP) has unveiled a new pharmaceutical research centre designed to strengthen quality assurance in drug production and distribution.
Situated at the Coordinated Wholesale Centre (CWC) in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State, the facility will ensure that all pharmaceutical products are subjected to comprehensive evaluation before reaching the market.
According to NAIP, the aim is to enforce strict compliance with both national and international standards, enhancing trust in Nigeria’s drug industry.
“This commitment aims to enhance the integrity of Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector, confirming compliance with national and international standards,” the association said.
Beyond Anambra, NAIP plans to develop similar research hubs at wholesale centres in Kano and Lagos, creating a networked distribution and testing system that will support drug security and promote a more structured pharmaceutical environment.
The foundation-laying event was presided over by Dr. U.N.O. Uwaga, while His Royal Majesty Igwe Ezechuamagha I of Ogidi Kingdom was present as the Guest of Honour.
The significance of the project was emphasized by NAIP National Chairman, Pharm. Bankole Aminu Ezebuilo, who stated:
“This project is an important milestone for the pharmaceutical industry in Nigeria.”
