The Federal Government says it is working towards the completion of the ongoing construction of six new cancer centres in Nigeria in the next two years.
According to a report by St. Cyril Cancer Treatment Foundation, about 80,000 people die from cancer annually in Nigeria.
The report shows that by 2030, 70% of the 13 million cancer deaths expected globally will be from low-middle income countries like Nigeria.
The foundation also observed that Nigeria’s population requires at least 170 cancer centers according to the World Health Organization. But the country currently has just two cancer centers.
However, while speaking on Channels Television on Monday, Professor Ali Pate, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, said the six new cancer centers would be ready in the next two years.
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“Well, I think within 18 to 24 months, the facilities would have been completed, equipment on the ground, people trained, and the maintenance agreement in place because the bunkers have to be built.
They [patients] cannot sit on the ground – he said on the TV – adding that N37.4 billion has been allocated to the Federal Ministry of Health to enhance access to oncology care.
According to the Minister, the oncology care would be situated in different geo-political zones which will be equipped with modern medical infrastructure.
Prof. Pate noted that the federal ministry of health is taking each project one at a time to deliver the mandate of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.