The Minister of Finance and Cordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has called global collaboration to address the scourge of cancer, citing it as a major health challenge that must be given urgent attention
He made call while giving his remarks at the opening of a two-day oncology summit with the theme: “Enhancing the Oncology Workforce in Nigeria” held in Abuja.
He said President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda has prioritized healthcare as one of the major elements for establishing Nigeria as a major centre of health excellence.
He stressed the need to equip Nigerians with the requisite knowledge on what can be done to combat cancer and make the fight against the disease fiercer than before.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Ali Pate, in his remarks, said that at least 500 jobs can be created over the next 10 years on the basis of clinical research in Nigeria.
Dr. Pate asserted that one of the defining legacies of the present administration is the progress made in oncology thus far.
These efforts to enhance healthcare infrastructure in the country. include the partnership with Nigeria Soverign Investment Authority NSIA to expand the infrastructure and equip the six centres that will deliver oncological care for Nigeria.
The Health Minister further harped on the need for research in the cancer centres. This he noted would require more workforce.
“In fact, our efforts in oncology is a legacy defining one for this administration. That’s why, almost 10 months ago, Mr. President and ourselves really latched on to NSIA to expand the infrastructure and equip the centres that will deliver oncological care for our country.
“The six centres will not be enough. Adding to what NSIA has already done, there will be need to do more for the centers by themselves, the infrastructure only part of the story is the people in the workforce, Is the research and knowledge that needs to be generated, and it’s also an important compliment to make it successful.”
“There’s also an economic value chain around research and through the presidential initiative to unlock the healthcare value chain with purpose Africa, a group that many of you are aware of, we do know that at least half a millionon jobs can be created over the next 10 years just on the basis of clinical research,”
“The capabilities that are here in Nigeria and the population that we have latching with a global expertise and all this, we can build a win, win model, where we accelerate development of technologies, diagnostics, dealing with these issues, while creating economic value also in our country,” he said.
On his part, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, NSIA and Chairman Board of Directors, MedServe, Aminu Umar-Sadiq said that the summit is not just about identifying these challenges but finding sustainable solutions to forge stronger synergy to improve patient outcomes across the country.
Umar-Sadiq said that as part of its commitment, the NSIA has made tremendous strides in the field of oncology through the establishment of the NSIA-LUTH Cancer Center (NLCC).
He said, “Since its inception, the NSIA-LUTH Cancer Center has set a new benchmark for oncology care in Nigeria, offering continet treatment and state of the art technology, this world class facility has improved access to diagnostics and cancer care, providing 1000s of Nigerians with specialized treatments as a fraction of the price they will get support if they do it abroad.”
The NSIA Boss emphasised that it was imperative to create incentives in order to retain these talents so that the healthcare sector could grow and improve for years to come.
“We organize residency programs, establish postgraduate courses in oncology, pharmacy, improve the oncology nursing program, foster the creation of critical patterns like medical physics and therapy radiographers within the Nigerian Civil Service, by investing in our healthcare professionals and equipping them with the skill they need, we will be able to provide comprehensive and high quality care to cancer patients throughout Nigeria,” he said.
Umar-Sadiq consequently disclosed that “NSIA has so far committed to spending $2 million to the training and building the capacity of healthcare professionals over the next few years.
