By Muhammad Amaan
The Federal Government of Nigeria said it has established 10 radio diagnostic centres to enhance diagnosis and treatment of diseases in the country
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, said this during a courtesy visit to Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, on Monday in Bauchi.
He said that the centres were established through the Medical and Diagnostic Services (MEDSERVE) initiative, and the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA).
Pate said that the Bauchi centre, located at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), was among the 10 projects initiated in the last two years.
“Two years ago, we laid the foundation for the first one here in Bauchi, a world-class radio-diagnostic centre, the facility has been completed, and all the 10 facilities all over Nigeria have been completed.
“This marks the largest expansion of health infrastructure and equipment in Nigeria’s history,” he said.
Prof. Pate said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration also completed three world-class cancer centres as part of efforts to expand specialised healthcare services.
He said that Bauchi would host the first inauguration, followed by another centre in Ibadan, Oyo State while the remaining centres would be commissioned subsequently.
The minister highlighted that the projects demonstrated Tinubu’s commitment to revitalising Nigeria’s health sector through modern diagnostic equipment, infrastructure, quality healthcare services, training and research.
Pate said that the federal government would continue to collaborate with state governments, to improve healthcare delivery across the country.
According to him, plans are underway for the establishment of a major multi-specialty hospital in each of the six geopolitical zones.
Also, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr Taiwo Oyedele, said the diagnostic centre demonstrated how the federal government’s economic reforms were being translated into tangible development projects.
He said that the reforms were aimed at stabilising the macro-economy, restoring investor confidence and strengthening institutions to create an enabling environment for more development projects.
Oyedele underscored the importance of collaboration between the federal and state governments in delivering infrastructure and improving the welfare of Nigerians.
“We will continue to work with Bauchi state and with every state to turn macroeconomic stability into tangible outcomes for our people; better healthcare, better infrastructure and a more productive economy,” he said.
Responding, Governor Bala Mohammed commended President Tinubu for approving the establishment of two army formations in Alkaleri and Tafawa Balewa Local Government Areas of the state.
He said the federal government’s security intervention had contributed significantly to the restoration of peace and the return of displaced persons to their communities.
The governor acknowledged other federal government interventions in the state, including the establishment of the University of Health Sciences and the Federal Medical Centre Misau.
“We cannot play politics with health and education. We cannot play politics with services.
“We are very grateful to Mr President for what he has done for Bauchi, particularly in the areas of health and security,” he said.
Bala Mohammed said that the diagnostic centre would complement the state government’s efforts to provide quality and affordable healthcare services to residents.
He also assured support of the federal government’s initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of Nigerians.
