• Approves N3.7bn for oncology center at UCH Ibadan
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services, confirming ongoing negotiations with nurses, doctors and other health professionals aimed at preventing any strike actions that could cripple hospitals nationwide.
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, gave this assurance while addressing State House Correspondents following the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu.
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Pate applauded President Tinubu’s leadership in what he described as a “revolution” in the nation’s health sector through unprecedented investments and reforms.
The health sector has witnessed mounting tensions in recent weeks after a controversial circular issued by the Accrued Wages Commission sparked widespread displeasure among nurses and other health workers. The circular seemingly affected wage structures and arrears payments, resulting in strike action by the Nigeria Union of Nurses and other health unions.
Union leaders threatened industrial action, citing unresolved welfare concerns and demanding centralization of postings and better remuneration. The dispute threatened to disrupt healthcare delivery following two years of relative industrial peace.
In response, the government quickly withdrew the disputed circular to defuse tensions. Pate declared: “We acknowledge the discontent caused by the recent circular, and in our commitment to a listening government, we have withdrawn it. We are now in transparent negotiations to increment allowances and resolve welfare concerns raised by our health workers.”
He confirmed active engagement with key associations including the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and the Nigeria Union of Nurses.
“We have engaged with the leadership constructively, extended negotiation deadlines, and are attending to their outstanding arrears, with the Minister of Finance overseeing disbursement plans,” he explained.
Highlighting progress on other fronts, he added, “For the nurses’ demands regarding centralisation of postings, we have agreed to manage postings in a fair and orderly manner.”
Pate also stressed the government’s commitment to upgrading healthcare infrastructure across the country, touting what he called “unprecedented investments.”
“We are witnessing a revolution in our federal tertiary hospitals with major infrastructure projects and acquisition of modern equipment,” he said. “For example, newly launched oncology centers in Katsina, Enugu, and Maiduguri allow Nigerians battling cancer to access world-class treatment on home soil.”
He revealed the approval by the FEC for an additional oncology centre upgrade at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, at the cost of N3.7 billion involving installation of advanced diagnostic and treatment equipment such as a Linear Accelerator for cancer therapy.
“More oncology centres are planned in Lagos, Nasarawa and beyond, complementing other massive projects nationwide,” he added.
At the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Pate noted the launch of over ten major projects within a week, including centres for neurology, stroke, heart care, interventional radiology, and oncology. “This level of attention from a presidency to strengthen the health system is unprecedented,” he said.
Addressing the health workers directly, Pate urged: “We call on all our health workers—nurses, doctors, and other professionals—to keep the Nigerian person at the centre of our attention. Let us focus on patient care while negotiations continue.”
He assured that the government is working “in good faith” to find lasting solutions and that “resources will be deployed to address welfare issues within available means.”
He said President Tinubu has encouraged the ministry “to double down on both infrastructure upgrades and health worker welfare.”
Pate concluded by saying, “We are leaning in, striving for resolutions, and encouraging union leaders to maintain faith in this process. This government is fully committed to keeping hospitals open and nurses on duty to secure the health of all Nigerians.”
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