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• As hospital performs another milestone with upgraded Oncology Centre
From Geoffrey Anyanwu, Enugu
Worried by the large number of Nigerians dying of cancer, the federal government has released the sum of N2.06 billion to the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State, for the procurement of a brand new Linear Acceleration machine, for the treatment of the disease.
Nigeria’s cancer statistics as disclosed by the Association of Radiation and Clinical Oncologists of Nigeria (ARCON) at its 6th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference in Enugu in September shows 125,000 cases yearly and over 78,000 deaths annually.
The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of UNTH, Prof. Obinna Onodugo who disclosed FG’s gesture during the commissioning of the Upgraded Oncology Centre of the hospital yesterday, said it was part of government’s commitment to provide cancer care and reverse medical tourism in Nigeria.
Onodugo noted that the centre commissioning marked another milestone in the decades of cancer care management, and underscored the efforts of the federal government through the management of the hospital, in delivering quality healthcare services.
He said, “Permit me to pay a glowing tribute to the federal government for its commitment to mitigate poor and substandard cancer care management. I also want to commend the management and the staff of the hospital, especially those at the centre, for their commitment towards the actualization of this goal.
“Indeed, in commanding the federal government, some people may not understand what is happening, if you visit the bunkers and all that, a lot has happened there, it is not from the federal directly, but there’s an enablement that allowed us to get into a partnership that saw all those things happen. But in addition to that, the federal government has anchored a number of trainings, has anchored a lot of sponsorships in terms of funding, cancer health fund, which has also helped a lot of our patients access care here.
“Two days ago I was also in a meeting with the Minister of Health, and part of what we are expecting, which will come before this year runs out is a brand new Linear machine, a brand new Linear Acceleration machine. As I speak to you the N2.06 billion earmarked for it is already in our account. That is a testament of how federal government is also trying to work hard to ensure that cancer care becomes really, really world’s standard, so that we can reverse the medical tourism, so that people can now begin to access care here.”
The CMD however said that the centre needed a nuclear medicine, and hoped that a visit of the minister to hospital would show how prepared the hospital was for it.
He said, “If you go up there you’ll see a nuclear building, because cancer care without the nuclear treatment is also not complete. Here we do radiotherapy, we do chemotherapy, we do surgeries but that nuclear part of it is missing. The building is there but of course is not yet equipped and is part of what we are also going to continue to negotiate with them (FG). It is very expensive venture, in fact I don’t think there is any centre in West Africa that has nuclear medicine, I don’t think there is, but Lagos is going to have very soon, is part of what has been provided for Lagos, so we are also pushing.”
He appreciated UNTH Foundation for its efforts and Prof. O.O. Mbonu, who he said gave the impetus to what was happening haven given the initial grant of N18 million unsolicited to the Centre.
The Director, UNTH Oncology Centre, Dr. Nwamaka N. Lasebikan, expressed the unwavering dedication of the centre to bring hope, healing, and the latest medical advancements to those affected by cancer adding that the Center stands as a symbol of hope and a beacon of excellence in the fight against cancer.
She said, “This center is the result of years of meticulous planning, tircless effort, and the collective dedication of our exceptional medical staff and support teams. This facility boasts of a dedicated multidisciplinary team of experts and a compassionate environment designed to support our patients and their loved ones through every step of their journey.
“But beyond the physical infrastructure, it is the spirit of care, compassion, and innovation that truly defines us. We are not just treating diseases; we are nurturing lives and futures. Our mission is not merely to fight cancer but to empower our patients with knowledge, hope, and a personalized approach to treatment that prioritizes their well-being.”
The State Governor, Peter Mbah who was represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ikechukwu Obi, said the event ties very closely to the current goals of the new administration in state, adding that “This day depicts something that is a new paradigm in the scheme of things in health.”
He added that “the rehabilitated Oncology Centre is an adjustment to healthcare delivery and we celebrate it. It has now become a place where the full spectrum of healthcare delivery becomes possible, from health promotion to health prevention, to tratmentand to rehabilitation, coming together under one roof.”
