The Federal Government has announced plans for a major upgrade of the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, as part of its broader efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure and access to specialised medical services in Nigeria.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, disclosed this during the inauguration of the MedServe Diagnostic Centre at UCH, Ibadan, Oyo State.
Pate said the government was accelerating investments in healthcare facilities across the country to strengthen diagnostic services, cancer care and other specialised areas of medical treatment.
According to him, 10 MedServe diagnostic facilities have been completed nationwide, while three of the six planned cancer centres have also been completed, with work ongoing on the remaining three.
He said the projects bring the number of completed and ongoing facilities to 13 out of the 16 planned centres.
The minister described the development as part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to equip health institutions with modern infrastructure and improve access to quality healthcare.
Pate also assured stakeholders that UCH, one of Nigeria’s oldest and foremost teaching hospitals, would receive significant attention under the government’s infrastructure improvement programme.
He said the planned upgrade was aimed at strengthening the hospital’s capacity to provide quality services, train healthcare professionals and support specialised medical care.
Beyond infrastructure, the minister acknowledged the challenges posed by the migration of Nigerian health professionals, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other medical workers.
He said the Federal Government was taking steps to improve remuneration and working conditions in the health sector in order to retain skilled professionals.
Pate also disclosed that training quotas for medical students, nurses and pharmacists had been doubled as part of efforts to address manpower shortages and expand the country’s healthcare workforce.
He said the government’s objective was to build a stronger health system by investing simultaneously in infrastructure, modern equipment and human resources.
According to him, the combined investments are expected to improve healthcare delivery, strengthen specialised medical services and position Nigeria as a leading healthcare destination in Africa.
