Doctors and healthcare workers across Nigeria have expressed their appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his directive to upgrade infrastructure and equipment in 16 health institutions spread across all six geo-political zones of the country.
Dr. Dele Abdullahi, the President of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, hailed the decision as a significant step forward for the health sector. He emphasized the importance of upgrading health facilities to meet international standards, thereby ensuring quality healthcare services for all Nigerians.
Similarly, Dr. Obinna Ogbonna, the immediate past National President of the Joint Health Sector Unions, welcomed the initiative but stressed the need for sustainability and maintenance. He highlighted past experiences where equipment became obsolete due to a lack of maintenance culture and urged for proper training of personnel to ensure effective upkeep of the upgraded facilities.
President Tinubu’s approval includes the immediate upgrade of 16 health infrastructure and equipment, with a focus on establishing oncology and nuclear medicine centers in six teaching hospitals within a timeframe of 12 to 18 months. This initiative aims to enhance cancer diagnosis and treatment accessibility across the nation, aligning with Tinubu’s vision of overhauling the health and social welfare sector.
The upgrades also encompass critical expansion projects in various fields such as radiology, clinical pathology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and cardiac catheterization, to be implemented in hospitals across all geopolitical zones. These projects aim to bolster healthcare services and provide comprehensive diagnostic and treatment options to patients nationwide.
Among the institutions slated for upgrades are prominent healthcare facilities like Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Surulere, and Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, emphasizing the commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure nationwide.
In a statement signed by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, the Presidency reiterated the administration’s dedication to ensuring world-class healthcare services for all Nigerians, reflecting a concerted effort towards achieving sustainable healthcare development in the country.
The approved upgrades underscore a proactive approach towards addressing healthcare challenges and signify a significant stride towards achieving universal access to quality healthcare in Nigeria.