President Bola Tinubu has approved the procurement of 35 additional linear accelerators between 2027 and 2029 to expand access to radiotherapy and strengthen cancer treatment capacity across Nigeria.

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, disclosed this when he received members of the Global Advisory Council of the National Cancer Control Plan Technical Working Group.

Salako said the investment was part of the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen cancer prevention, early detection and treatment under the National Cancer Control Plan 2026–2030.

‎He also disclosed that six cancer centres were being developed across the country, with three completed and the remaining three under construction.

‎According to him, the government was expanding cervical cancer screening and integrating selected screening services into primary and secondary healthcare facilities to improve early detection.

Salako said Tinubu’s approval of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination as part of routine immunisation was also a major step towards preventing cervical cancer, adding that the government had established a Cervical Cancer Elimination Council.

“Prevention is better and cheaper than cure. We are doing everything possible to expand routine immunisation, broaden screening and improve early detection,” he said.

The minister also inaugurated the Blood Cancer Consortium, describing it as a platform to strengthen collaboration and improve outcomes in the management of blood cancers.

Meanwhile, the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) has urged cancer patients to apply for the hospital’s cancer health fund provided by the Federal Government to reduce the financial burden on patients, particularly the indigent.

The Chief Medical Doctor (CMD) of the hospital, Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu, made the call while taking the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, journalists and management staff members on a facility tour as part of activities marking her one year in office.

Facilities inspected include renovated security facilities, a 65-bed Accident and Emergency complex, an expanded mortuary upgraded from 72 to 460 chillers, a multi-faith centre, premium and regular renal dialysis units, a child-friendly paediatric clinic, a revitalised oxygen plant, a geriatric ward, a 160-slice CT scan, a special investigation unit, dental and oncology centres, and improved theatre facilities.

Ize-Iyamu said: “I just want to put on record that we have a cancer health fund in which people who have cancer can apply, and if you are approved, there are privileges you enjoy, though it’s not for everybody. It’s for indigent patients who are battling cancer. (The Guardian)

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