Democracy Day: LUTH CMD Rates Tinubu’s Health Reforms High, Cites Major Investments In Cancer Care
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•••Says Presidency Strengthens Epidemic Preparedness With N10bn Emergency Fund
•••Federal Hospitals Undergoing Massive Infrastructure Upgrade
Lagos – As Nigeria marks the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, the Chief Medical Director of Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Professor Wasiu Adeyemo, has assessed recent Federal Government interventions in the health sector, citing progress in cancer care, infrastructure development, health financing and workforce retention.
Adeyemo rated the administration’s performance in healthcare delivery at 80 per cent, while acknowledging that significant challenges remain across the sector.
Speaking in an interview, he said investments in federal tertiary hospitals have contributed to improvements in service delivery and healthcare infrastructure.
According to him, developments recorded in recent years have become visible within several teaching hospitals across the country.
He noted that although the sector still faces longstanding structural challenges, there has been measurable progress compared with previous years.
Adeyemo identified the establishment and expansion of specialised cancer treatment centres as one of the notable developments within federal healthcare institutions.
He said a state-of-the-art cancer centre established at Lagos University Teaching Hospital has become a reference point for similar projects elsewhere in the country.
According to him, the model implemented at LUTH is being replicated in other federal institutions to improve access to specialised oncology services.
He disclosed that similar cancer treatment facilities are already operational or nearing completion in Katsina, Benin and the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital in Enugu.
The CMD said the expansion of cancer treatment infrastructure is expected to strengthen the country’s capacity to manage complex oncology cases.
He also revealed that LUTH is expected to benefit from a two-megawatt solar power project designed to improve electricity supply within the hospital.
According to him, the project is expected to become operational before the end of the year.
He explained that improved power supply would help reduce operational disruptions and support healthcare service delivery.
Adeyemo further listed several federal institutions undergoing infrastructure expansion and modernisation.
The institutions include the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, National Hospital Abuja and the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital.
He said ongoing projects in those facilities are aimed at improving healthcare infrastructure and expanding service capacity.
Addressing the migration of healthcare professionals abroad, commonly referred to as “Japa”, Adeyemo said government efforts have focused on addressing some of the factors driving the trend.
He identified remuneration as one of the major reasons healthcare workers seek opportunities outside the country.
According to him, salary adjustments within the healthcare sector could contribute to retaining more professionals in Nigeria.
He stressed the importance of balancing infrastructure development with measures aimed at strengthening the healthcare workforce.
Adeyemo also defended the establishment of additional medical schools and training institutions across the country.
He argued that increasing the number of trained healthcare professionals remains one approach to mitigating the impact of workforce migration.
According to him, higher training output could help offset losses arising from the departure of some professionals.
On healthcare financing, the CMD said government resources alone may not be sufficient to meet the sector’s growing needs.
He therefore emphasised the role of public-private partnerships in supporting healthcare infrastructure and service delivery.
According to him, private investments have contributed to the development of laboratories, radiology services and other critical healthcare areas.
He disclosed that LUTH has benefited from interventions by corporate organisations, philanthropists and development partners.
Such interventions, he said, have supported healthcare delivery and contributed to the expansion of cancer treatment facilities.
Adeyemo noted that partnerships have continued to play a role in strengthening specialised medical services.
Commenting on health insurance coverage, he said enrolment figures have improved in recent years.
According to him, health insurance coverage, previously estimated at about 10 per cent, has increased to between 20 and 30 per cent.
He said broader insurance coverage could improve access to healthcare services and reduce financial barriers for patients.
The CMD also addressed Nigeria’s preparedness for potential disease outbreaks, including Ebola and other emerging public health threats.
He stressed the importance of surveillance systems at borders and other points of entry.
According to him, increasing global mobility requires stronger preparedness mechanisms and rapid response capacity.
Adeyemo referenced the Federal Government’s approval of a N10 billion emergency preparedness fund.
He described the intervention as a step aimed at strengthening the country’s capacity to respond to future public health emergencies.
The LUTH chief urged continued support for the healthcare sector from corporate organisations, philanthropists and private individuals.
He said sustained investments and partnerships would remain important in addressing healthcare challenges and improving service delivery.
Adeyemo added that experiences from the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of strong healthcare institutions and a resilient workforce.
He called for continued efforts to strengthen healthcare systems and expand access to quality medical services across the country.
As Democracy Day is commemorated nationwide, the LUTH CMD maintained that ongoing investments in cancer care, infrastructure development, workforce support, health insurance and emergency preparedness remain significant areas of focus within the health sector.
