FG to establish, upgrade six Teaching Hospitals for enhanced cancer care
By Kunle Sanni
The Federal Government has announced plans to establish and upgrade six Federal Teaching Hospitals with new radiotherapy and nuclear medicine facilities across Nigeria.
This initiative was revealed by Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, the Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, during a press briefing in Abuja to commemorate World Cancer Day 2025.
Dr. Salako stated that three of the centers are scheduled for commissioning in May 2025, while the remaining three will become operational before World Cancer Day 2026.
He emphasized that this strategy aligns with the World Health Organization’s global target to eliminate cervical and other preventable cancers by 2030.
Additionally, the Federal Government, through the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), is developing a policy plan to implement a Catastrophic Health Insurance Scheme.
This scheme is designed to support patients with end-stage renal disease, sickle cell disease, and various cancers. It will be funded through the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) and other financing mechanisms.
To further strengthen cancer and disease management, the government has inaugurated a 35-member National Nuclear Medicine Technical Working Group (NM-TWG).
This specialized committee will serve as an advisory body to the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare on the development and implementation of nuclear medicine services in Nigeria.
Dr. Salako also commended the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) for its role in leading Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination efforts for the primary prevention of cervical cancer, as well as hepatitis immunization for liver cancer prevention.
He noted that over 12 million girls have been immunized against HPV, with ongoing efforts to expand coverage.
The press briefing featured goodwill messages from international development partners, multilateral agencies, and non-governmental organizations.
Dr. Salako particularly acknowledged the World Health Organization (WHO) for recognizing Nigeria as a focal country for the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancers (GICC), which supports efforts to improve pediatric cancer care in the country.
