NSIA Convenes Oncology Stakeholders to Drive Collaborations in Nigeria

The Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) has taken a significant step forward in advancing cancer-care in Nigeria by convening critical oncology stakeholders and strategic partners at the inaugural NSIA Oncology Summit. The summit, held in Lagos, aimed to foster collaborations, drive innovation, and ultimately improve patient outcomes in cancer-care.

The NSIA Oncology Summit brought together over 200 medical professionals specializing in oncology, representing 11 Nigerian tertiary hospitals. Additionally, there were more than 10 external collaborators from renowned institutions such as the University of Chicago, American Oncology Institute India, American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), Bio Ventures for Global Health (BVGH), Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre, American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM), and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Centre (UPMC).

The summit provided a platform for medical professionals to split into focus groups based on their specialty areas. These groups engaged in discussions concerning the barriers to effective oncology care in Nigeria, innovative solutions to address these challenges, and strategies to retain homegrown talent.

Emphasizing the significance of the summit, the Managing Director of NSIA, Aminu Umar-Sadiq, stated, "This is an important first step in bringing together key oncology stakeholders to enhance the quality of cancer care in Nigeria." The NSIA has made healthcare a sector of focus, establishing several initiatives to address gaps in medical infrastructure, improve patient care, and develop a stronger pool of medical professionals.

One notable initiative is the NSIA - LUTH Cancer Centre (NLCC), a world-class outpatient oncology center established in 2019. Since its inception, the NLCC has successfully provided care to over 10,000 unique cancer patients. Additionally, the NSIA has invested in two diagnostic projects located within the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital and Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia.

Building on these achievements, the NSIA is now scaling its interventions by planning the establishment of three more oncology centers, 23 additional diagnostic centers, and 7 catheterization laboratories across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones. To implement these projects, the NSIA has established Medserve, a wholly owned medical services portfolio company.

Recognizing the challenges posed by outdated medical equipment and poor operation and maintenance practices, the NSIA has also set up Equilease Systems Limited. This wholly owned subsidiary aims to provide alternative financial solutions to healthcare providers, alleviating the burden of high acquisition and maintenance costs of modern medical equipment through strategic partnerships with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).

The NSIA Oncology Summit marks a significant milestone in facilitating collaborations and driving advancements in cancer-care in Nigeria. With the engagement of medical professionals, hospitals, and external collaborators, the summit has created a platform for sharing knowledge, developing innovative solutions, and enhancing the overall quality of cancer care in the country.

Source of content: OOO News 2023-08-31 News

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