FG Releases N2.06b For Provision Of Cancer Machine At UNTH
Moved by the number of Nigerians dying of cancer, the Federal Government has released the sum of N2.06 billion for the procurement of a brand new Linear Acceleration Machine for the treatment of the disease at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State.
Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Prof. Obinna Onudugo, dropped the hint Saturday during the formal opening of the upgraded Oncology Unit of the facility, adding that the gesture was a proof of the government’s commitment to provide cancer cure and reverse medical tourism in Nigeria.
Onodugo, who lamented the stress cancer patients in Nigeria undergo, added that the completion of the unit was another milestone in the decades of cancer care management and also underscores the efforts of the Federal Government through the management of the hospital in delivering quality healthcare services.
He added: “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 actualisation of this goal.
“Indeed, in commending 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 Government 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; it 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.
“If you go up there you will 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, it is not yet equipped. It is part of what we are also going to continue to negotiate with them. It is a very expensive venture. In fact, I don’t think there is any centre in West Africa that has nuclear medicine. But Lagos is going to have it very soon. So, we are also pushing,” he said
He appreciated Emeritus Prof. Obiora Mbonu for the attraction of the initial N19 million four years ago for the Oncology Centre.
The Director of the Oncology Centre, Dr. Nwamaka Lasebikan, stated that the facility is the outcome of years of meticulous planning to bring hope and healing to those affected by cancer.
“This centre is the result of years of meticulous planning, tireless effort and the collective dedication of our exceptional medical staff and support teams. This facility boasts 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 personalised approach to treatment that prioritises their well-being,” she added.
