The Federal Ministry of Health & Social Welfare (FMoH) on Friday, signed a Partnership Agreement with the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) that aims to provide project management and advisory services to ensure the seamless implementation of the Oncology Initiative.
This was made known in a post on the official X (formerly Twitter) handle of the Coordinating Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate.
The Federal Ministry of Health & Social Welfare (@Fmohnigeria) is committed to its strategic objective of improving population health outcomes in Nigeria, with a special focus on enhancing access to high-quality oncology care. This is a crucial part of our comprehensive Health… pic.twitter.com/mXGpxwgAuc
— Muhammad Ali Pate (@muhammadpate) March 23, 2024
According to the post by the health minister, President Tinubu has allocated N37.4 billion to the FMoH Oncology Initiative, demonstrating the government’s commitment to rapid and effective implementation.
The FMoH launched the Oncology Initiative in 2021 due to the rising incidence of non-communicable diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, etc, causing significant physical and financial burdens on Nigerians. The initiative is a crucial part of FMoH’s comprehensive Health Sector Renewal Investment Program, which also targets reproductive, maternal, child, and adolescent health.
The Oncology Initiative seeks to strengthen cancer care through targeted medical investments, including the establishment of nuclear medicine centers, the upgrade of existing facilities and the deployment of modern medical infrastructure in select tertiary hospitals.
According to Prof. Ali Pate, the Federal Ministry of Health & Social Welfare is committed to its strategic objective of improving population health outcomes in Nigeria, with a special focus on enhancing access to high-quality oncology care.
Part of the post reads “Despite initial implementation delays, there has been a Renewed Hope for this initiative under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Early in his administration, Mr. President tasked us with accelerating collaborations with relevant ministries and agencies for its successful realization.
“To ensure equitable access to oncology care across the nation, six teaching hospitals have been selected for the initiative, covering all geopolitical zones:
- University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH)
- Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH)
- Federal Teaching Hospital Katsina (FTHK)
- University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH)
- Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH)
- Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH)
“These institutions will be equipped with advanced medical infrastructure, including linear accelerators, iridium brachytherapy machines, computed tomography (CT) simulators, positron emission tomography (PET) scanners, and cyclotrons.
“The goal is to ensure precise diagnosis and effective management of oncology cases, thereby alleviating the physical and financial strains faced by Nigerians.
“The milestone we’ve reached through the agreement is a testament to what is possible with the right governance and bold leadership, as exemplified by President Tinubu. And we’re quite confident that with a people-oriented approach, no challenge is too great to overcome in our journey.
“In the coming weeks, the agreement will be reviewed and endorsed by NSIA’s Governing Board. We will collaborate with the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) and the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) for effective monitoring and implementation.
“To ensure transparency, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), media, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will be critical in monitoring spending and preventing misappropriation of funds.
“Also, plans are in place to set up a central oversight committee comprising specialists to oversee project implementation and fund flows, thereby ensuring proper use of resources.
“Our target is to complete the construction of the six oncology centers with the appropriate equipment, staffing, training programs, and regulatory frameworks within the next 18-24 months.”
Ali Pate called upon the goodwill and collaboration of all Nigerians and agencies to ensure the transparent operation and delivery of the targeted value and that the interests of the Nigerian people must remain paramount in the fulfillment of the goals of the Oncology Initiative.
