By Fatima Saka
The Federal Government has called on health institutions to remain committed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of providing quality healthcare for Nigerians.
The Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, made this call recently during his familiarization visits to agencies and parastatals under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. Accompanied by the top ministry officials, including the Director of Hospital Services, Dr. Salaudeen Jimoh, mni.
At the Nigeria Institute for Pharmaceutical Research & Development (NIPRD) in the Idu Industrial Layout, Abuja, Dr. Salako, led by the Director-General, Dr. Obi Adigwe, toured various departments to assess ongoing research and development efforts.
During an interactive roundtable session with the institute’s management, Dr. Salako emphasized NIPRD’s crucial role in advancing the healthcare value chain under President Tinubu’s administration. He urged the Director-General and his team to explore business partnerships that could facilitate the commercialization of their products, particularly leveraging a potential $1 billion funding opportunity from AFREXIM Bank.
To support this initiative, Dr. Salako assured the Ministry’s backing in promoting NIPRD’s innovations among medical practitioners, reinforcing the government’s agenda for universal health coverage and reducing medical tourism.
In strengthening research and strengthening cancer research and preventing cancer in Nigerian Institute for Cancer Research & Treatment (NICRAT), Dr. Salako urged the Director-General, Dr. Usman Malami Aliyu, and his team to prioritize cancer prevention through research, services, and advocacy.
“We understand that despite prevention efforts, some individuals will still develop cancer. Therefore, we must ensure quality care, early detection, and effective screening services,” he stated.
Highlighting the importance of a proactive approach, Dr. Salako stressed the need for targeted strategies focused on prevention, awareness, and improved health literacy, noting that many cancers are preventable.
To maximize advocacy efforts, he called for stronger collaboration between NICRAT and the Ministry’s Cancer Programme, particularly in organizing a unified event for World Cancer Day next month.
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Speaking on the Federal Government’s Cancer Health Fund, Dr. Salako explained that the initiative is designed to support indigent patients who cannot afford cancer treatment.
“The fund is currently operational in select centers and focuses on specific cancer types. However, we hope to expand its scope during this budget cycle, making it more robust and accessible,” he said.
He further emphasized that with increased resources, the initiative could cover more cancer types and extend its reach to additional healthcare centers, ensuring broader access to life-saving cancer treatments for vulnerable Nigerians.
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