In a renewed drive to transform Nigeria’s healthcare system, the federal government has rolled out a series of high-impact upgrades across key medical institutions in the country.
Speaking on the development, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, described the efforts as part of a “trend of revolutionising the health infrastructure.”
Among the upgrades is the installation of cutting-edge medical technology, including a Linear Accelerator — a vital tool for advanced cancer therapy. “This will enable Nigerians who are suffering from cancer to be catered for,” Pate noted, adding that similar health centres are being planned for Lagos, Nasarawa, and other parts of the country.
Highlighting recent achievements, Pate pointed to the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, which he described as “perhaps one of the largest hospitals in the West African region, maybe one of the largest on the continent.”
According to him, over 10 major projects were commissioned at the facility in just one week.
These include a neurology centre, stroke centre, heart centre, interventional radiology centre, and a fully revamped oncology unit.
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“This country has never witnessed such attention by a president to boost the health system,” he stated, crediting the progress to the cross-sector collaboration of key government officials. “The Minister of Finance, Minister of Budget, and the wider presidential team are delivering the vision of our President to begin to have world-class facilities all over our country.”
Addressing concerns around ongoing labour issues in the health sector, Pate assured that the welfare of health professionals remains a priority. “We’re leaning in, and we’re trying to find resolutions. We encourage the leaders of those unions to continue that faith,” he said.
He revealed that President Bola Tinubu has directed the health ministry to “double down” on improving both infrastructure and personnel welfare. “This government is committed to keeping hospitals open and nurses on duty,” Pate added, while also acknowledging financial limitations.
The announcement comes amid continued efforts to stabilise the health workforce and retain critical medical expertise within the country.