The Federal Government has opened a state-of-the-art cancer treatment centre in Enugu. The goal is to reduce the number of Nigerians traveling abroad for care.
Tinubu’s Health Plan in Action
The new facility is located at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla.
It includes a Linear Accelerator machine and other advanced equipment.
Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, led the unveiling.
He was joined by the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, and the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris.
According to Pate, the initiative is part of President Tinubu’s healthcare reform plan.
The administration has already increased the health budget from ₦1.7 billion to ₦2.3 billion.
Cancer: A Costly Burden on Nigerians
Pate said Nigeria loses more than $1 billion every year to medical tourism. Much of that money goes to cancer treatment abroad.
However, the minister believes that with upgraded centres across the six zones, patients will now receive quality care at home.
He added that the government is also training medical workers to operate the new technology.
Drug Security Boosted in Anambra
Meanwhile, the National Association of Industrial Pharmacists (NAIP) has launched a pharmaceutical research centre in Anambra. The centre is based at the Coordinated Wholesale Centre (CWC) in Oba.
Its purpose is to test, monitor, and ensure the quality of locally made drugs. NAIP Chairman, Pharm. Bankole Aminu Ezebuilo, said the group plans to open more centres in Lagos and Kano.
This move, he added, will raise the credibility of Nigerian drugs and reduce fake medicines in the market.
Traditional Leaders Support New Project
During the launch, Dr. U.N.O. Uwaga performed the groundbreaking ceremony. Igwe Ezechuamagha I of Ogidi Kingdom also attended as a guest of honour.
Speakers at the event praised the government’s investment in drug safety. Many said the research centre would build trust and protect public health.
