*President Bola Ahmed Tinubu affirms the Healthcare Expansion Programme is designed as a blueprint for future healthcare infrastructure projects, for saving lives, reducing suffering, and ensuring health for all Nigerians

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has launched the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA)-Healthcare Expansion Programme and the retraining of 120,000 frontline health workers in the country.

The measures are said to be part of the ongoing efforts at improving the health and social well-being of Nigerians, drive economic development, and position Nigeria as a healthcare hub on the African continent.

The first initiative — the Healthcare Expansion Programme — is a major milestone in the health sector as 10 world-class healthcare facilities specialising in oncology and diagnostics will be established across the nation’s six geopolitical zones.

This expansion builds upon the success of the NSIA鈥檚 previous projects, including the NSIA-Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) Cancer Centre, the NSIA-Kano Diagnostic Centre, and the NSIA-Umuahia Diagnostic Centre.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, noted President Tinubu, at the launch of the initiatives Friday, August 15, in Bauchi State, Northern Nigeria, represented by Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, said the new projects would complement the ongoing expansion of cancer infrastructure and equipment in six Federal teaching hospitals in Nigeria.

The Nigerian leader stated that beyond providing essential healthcare to Nigerians, these facilities would reverse the trend of outbound medical tourism.

Tinubu also disclosed upon completion of the first phase, the NSIA, through its subsidiary, Medserve, would operate the largest chain of oncology and diagnostic centres in West Africa.

According to him, these centres would have the capacity to train about 500 clinicians over three years, besides enhancing clinical trial and research capabilities.

The President stated: “I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, and the NSIA for their vision, innovation, and dedication to making this programme a reality.

“Through inter-sectoral partnerships like these, we can achieve significant healthcare and economic outcomes.”

He further noted: “This programme will serve as a blueprint for future healthcare infrastructure projects, propelling us towards our national healthcare goals: saving lives, reducing suffering, and ensuring health for all Nigerians.

“The second initiative, the launch of the retraining of 120,000 frontline health workers, is a personal performance indicator for me as the African Union (AU) Champion for Human Resources for Health and Community Health Delivery Partnership.”

Tinubu equally stated: “We all know that health workers and other professionals are the backbone of our healthcare system.

“By equipping them with the latest skills and knowledge, we ensure they are well-prepared to meet the evolving healthcare needs of our population.”

On Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative

Underscoring the viability of the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), President Tinubu affirmed that Nigeria’s productivity and wealth depend on the vitality of its people.

Basic healthcare is a fundamental human right, as well as a matter of long-term national security, said he.

The President stressed “the NHSRII has provided strategic direction for our health investments, focusing on critical areas, such as maternal and child health, disease prevention, and health system strengthening.

“The Compact with State Governors and Development Partners, being deployed as the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp), has been crucial in advancing our health sector.”

Tinubu also noted: “These frameworks have fostered collaboration, alignment, and accountability, ensuring our collective efforts are harmonised towards achieving our health goals.

“I am proud of the remarkable progress we are making, particularly in unlocking healthcare value chains, restructuring the Basic Health Care Provision Fund to expand access to primary health care by all Nigerians, expanding health insurance, and enhancing health human resources.”

“By making universal health coverage a priority at all levels, this administration aims to foster a vibrant workforce and drive greater economic and social development for the Nigerian people.”

The President emphasised that his administration would continue to prioritise healthcare, enhance preventive measures, and invest in health education while fostering health equity and justice.

The statement noted that during a brief ceremony, where the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare was turbaned as the ‘Mainasara of Bauchi Emirate’, Governor (Senator) Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State thanked the President for his landmark investments in the health sector of the economy.

Governor Mohammed stated: “We thank Mr. President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the giant strides he is making in the health sector.

“Even those of us in the opposition party are federalists, and appreciate the work and collaboration with Mr. President鈥檚 team here, with both the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Health, to kick off this impactful project for all Nigerians.”

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