By Chiamaka Egwu
The Federal Government has completed 10 radiodiagnostic centres and three cancer centres across Nigeria as part of efforts to expand access to modern healthcare services, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, has said.
Pate disclosed this in Bauchi during the commissioning of a radiodiagnostic centre at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, ATBUTH.
The minister said the 10 diagnostic centres were executed through MedSafe and the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, NSIA, describing the development as the largest expansion of health infrastructure and equipment in Nigeria’s history.
“This marks the largest expansion of health infrastructure and equipment in Nigeria’s history,” Pate said.
According to him, the foundation for the Bauchi centre was laid about two years ago, and the facility had now been completed alongside nine others located in different parts of the country.
He said the commissioning of the Bauchi centre would be followed by another in Ibadan, Oyo State, while the remaining eight diagnostic centres had also been completed.
Pate said the facilities were designed to provide Nigerians with access to modern diagnostic services and quality healthcare, while also supporting training and research.
He said the projects formed part of efforts by the Federal Government to strengthen healthcare infrastructure through the provision of modern diagnostic equipment and improved hospital services.
The minister also disclosed that three world-class cancer centres had been completed as part of the broader healthcare transformation programme.
Pate said collaboration between the Federal Government and state governments remained critical to expanding access to quality healthcare services.
He said: “Such partnerships are essential to expanding access to quality healthcare services across the country.”
The minister further announced that preparations were underway for the establishment of six major multi-specialty hospitals, with one planned for each of the six geopolitical zones.
According to him, the planned hospitals would further expand the country’s healthcare infrastructure and access to specialised medical services.
Pate thanked the Bauchi State Government for its cooperation and support, assuring that the Federal Government would continue to work with subnational governments to improve healthcare delivery and the wellbeing of Nigerians.
