FG is committed to transforming cancer care — Pate
FG is committed to transforming cancer care — Pate
Abdullateef Fowewe
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate has said the federal government in collaboration with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative is committed to transforming cancer care centres to make sure that quality cancer care centres are accessible to people.
Pate disclosed this while speaking at the Oncology Summit 2.0 organised by the Nigeria Sovereign Wealth Authority and the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment on Wednesday.
He acknowledged that cancer is one of the fastest-growing health burdens in Nigeria, noting that addressing it requires much more than just infrastructure but also requires investing in people, research, and innovation to ensure that quality cancer care is accessible to all.
Pate stated that transforming cancer care is not just about building specialised cancer centres stressing that it’s mostly about ensuring there is a skilled, well-equipped workforce that can meet the needs of the country’s growing population.
He said, “As part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu and the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, we are committed to transforming cancer care in Nigeria.
“This transformation is not just about building specialized cancer centres; it’s about ensuring we have a skilled, well-equipped workforce that can meet the needs of our growing population.
“By focusing on workforce development, research, and advancing our healthcare system, we are setting the stage for a generational milestone in Nigeria’s quality healthcare journey. Our collective efforts will shape the future of oncology care in the country, bringing hope and access to the most vulnerable.”
However, he reiterated the FG’s commitment to leaving a lasting legacy to ensure that no Nigerian faces cancer alone, stating that it is a critical step in the FG’s ongoing journey to improve equitable and quality health outcomes for all.
He appealed to the stakeholders to keep the momentum going to work toward a healthier, stronger Nigeria.
While appreciating the facilitators of the edutainment event, Pate said, “I want to take a moment to deeply appreciate Chief Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr Tolu Adewole, MD/CEO of MedServe and Mr Aminu Umar-Sadiq, MD/CEO of NSIA, for their leadership in organising this summit, as well as the Ministry of Finance and all partners for their unwavering support.
“Commendation also to the Honorable Minister of State for Health, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and DG NICRAT, Prof. Usman Malami Aliyu, and their teams for their diligence in advancing oncological preventive and curative practice in Nigeria.”
