FEC approves N12bn for diagnostic medical equipment

Twelve health institutions across the country will be equipped with diagnostic equipment worth N12 billion, including three MRI facilities, two CT scanners, and ancillary medical equipment.

The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, disclosed this in Abuja following a meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

He stated that the beneficiary institutions include the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Akwa Ibom; the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta; Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife; the Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, Nasarawa State; Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital, Yola, Adamawa State; and the Federal Teaching Hospital, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State.

Professor Pate reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding healthcare access and enhancing Nigeria’s role in continental health regulation to curb medical tourism.

“The administration’s efforts to improve health infrastructure are yielding results, as there has been a reduction in medical tourism. Patients from America and the United Kingdom are now seeking healthcare in Nigeria,” he stated.

The Minister added that the facilities are increasingly attracting patients from neighbouring countries, as well as from the UK and the US. “Step by step, we are strengthening our healthcare infrastructure,” he remarked.

Additionally, he noted that FEC had ratified the African Medicines Agency Treaty, which aims to standardise regulatory frameworks and enhance access to genuine medicines across the continent.

“With this treaty, products developed as part of our value chain expansion will gain access to a much larger market. This means that goods made in Nigeria will, in time, be made in Africa,” he said.

Professor Pate described the ratification as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards medical self-sufficiency and industrialisation.

Ifeoma Nwovu