The statement mentioned that the project includes a retraining initiative for 120,000 frontline health workers in the country.
President Bola Tinubu has declared that his government is planning to build 10 world-class oncology and diagnostic facilities across the country to complement existing cancer infrastructure and equipment in federal teaching hospitals.
This was stated in a press statement issued on Friday by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, adding that these facilities would be built under the newly launched Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA)-Healthcare Expansion Programme.
The statement mentioned that the project includes a retraining initiative for 120,000 frontline health workers in the country.
The statement read, “To improve the health and social well-being of Nigerians, drive economic development, and position Nigeria as a healthcare hub within Africa, President Bola Tinubu has launched the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA)-Healthcare Expansion Programme and the retraining of 120,000 frontline health workers.
“The first initiative -- the Healthcare Expansion Programme -- is a major milestone in the health sector as 10 world-class healthcare facilities specialising in oncology and diagnostics would be established across the nation's six geopolitical zones.
“This expansion builds upon the success of the NSIA’s previous projects, including the NSIA-Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) Cancer Centre, the NSIA-Kano Diagnostic Centre, and the NSIA-Umuahia Diagnostic Centre.
“Speaking at the launch of the initiatives on Friday in Bauchi State, President Tinubu, who was represented by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, said the new projects will complement the ongoing expansion of cancer infrastructure and equipment in six federal teaching hospitals.
“The President stated that beyond providing essential healthcare to Nigerians, these facilities will reverse the trend of outbound medical tourism.
“The President also said upon completion of the first phase, the NSIA, through its subsidiary, Medserve, will operate the largest chain of oncology and diagnostic centres 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 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," President Tinubu said.
“Underscoring the viability of the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), the President affirmed that the nation’s productivity and wealth depend on the vitality of its people, and that basic healthcare is a fundamental human right, as well as a matter of long-term national security.
“During a brief ceremony, where the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare was turbaned as the 'Mainasara of Bauchi Emirate', the Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, thanked the President for his landmark investments in the health sector.