FG allocates N37.4 bn for six cancer centres, ready in two years

The Federal Government has approved N37.4 billion for the Federal Ministry of Health’s (FMOH) oncology project, for the establishment of six cancer facilities across the nation in two years.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, disclosed this on Monday while featuring as a guest on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, monitored by Persecondnews.

According to Pate, the initiative is a result of the partnership agreement between the Federal Government and the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA).

He added that the agreement aims to provide project management and advisory services to ensure the seamless implementation of the Oncology Initiative.

The minister also disclosed that the move is a pivotal component of the government’s comprehensive Health Sector Renewal Investment Programme which also targets reproductive, maternal, child, and adolescent health, among other areas.

“To promote equitable access to oncology care nationwide, six teaching hospitals have been earmarked for the initiative, covering all geopolitical zones.

“They are the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Jos University Teaching Hospital, and Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).

“These institutions will receive state-of-the-art medical infrastructure, including linear accelerators, iridium brachytherapy machines, computed tomography (CT) simulators, positron emission tomography (PET) scanners, and cyclotrons.

“The ultimate goal is to ensure precise diagnosis and effective management of oncology cases, thereby easing the physical and financial burdens faced by Nigerians.

“We will collaborate closely with the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) and the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) to ensure effective monitoring and implementation.

“Transparency will be paramount, with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), the media, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) playing pivotal roles in monitoring spending and preventing misappropriation of funds,” Pate said.

He also disclosed that plans are underway to establish a central oversight committee comprising specialists to supervise project implementation and fund allocation, ensuring optimal resource utilisation.