Cancer patients in Abuja have received a significant boost after the NNPC/Renaissance Joint Venture contributed $300,000 to the National Hospital, Abuja, ensuring the continued operation of its advanced cancer treatment equipment.

The funding, announced at the office of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, will support the Linear Accelerator Radiotherapy Machine (LINAC), one of Nigeria’s most sophisticated cancer-treatment systems.

The machine was initially donated in 2019 by the joint venture as part of a broader Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, which included upgrading the cancer care ecosystem, installing essential data and support systems, and training healthcare professionals to operate the technology effectively.

In a statement on Thursday, Andy Odeh, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, explained that the contribution was critical to prevent treatment disruptions resulting from funding gaps in the machine’s maintenance

Speaking at the event, Oluwaseyi Omotowa, Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services, highlighted the transformative impact of the LINAC machine on cancer care at the hospital.

According to him, the machine has: Treated over 2,000 patients, Reduced treatment costs by 80 percent, Shortened therapy sessions from 12 minutes to just 2 minutes, Additionally, 712 indigent patients have benefited from subsidized care ranging from 25 to 100 percent.

Omotowa, represented by Nkechi Anaedobe, Head of Business Services at NNPC-NUIMS, emphasised that sustained maintenance of the LINAC machine is essential to ensure it continues to operate at full capacity, providing reliable and efficient cancer treatment for patients across the nation.

“Some of the benefits of the intervention include: treatment of over 2,000 patients, reduction of treatment cost by 80 per cent, reduction of therapy session time from 12 minutes to 2 minutes, subsidised care for indigent patients, with 712 of them receiving care at discounted rates ranging from 25 per cent to 100 per cent.

“The sustainability of such advanced medical technology hinges on regular maintenance, which presents a critical challenge due to funding constraints,” he said.

He stressed that the donation would ensure timely maintenance to prevent any delays in treatment; minimise downtime with guaranteed response times, ensuring the machine’s availability when needed most; compliance with medical standards and audits, safeguarding the quality of care provided; accurate calibration for effective treatment, which is vital for the precision required in radiotherapy, amongst others.

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“This donation will ensure timely maintenance, minimise downtime, guarantee compliance with medical standards, and maintain precise calibration for effective treatment,” he said.

He noted that the JV remained committed to building long-term partnerships that would strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system.

“As we move forward, the JV promises to continue to forge partnerships that not only address immediate healthcare needs but also build a robust foundation for future medical advancements. Together, we are not just treating illnesses; we are fostering a healthier, more resilient nation”, he added.

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The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, lauded the donation, calling it a model corporate intervention that supports President Bola Tinubu’s renewed commitment to investing in the health sector.

“This aligns perfectly with the broader efforts to revamp critical infrastructure aimed at improving the quality of healthcare for our people. Your track record is truly commendable, and this gesture underscores the intentionality behind driving impactful change.

“Quality healthcare comes at a cost, and with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed focus on health sector investment, partnerships like this from forward-thinking private actors significantly strengthen the cause”, Pate said.

Also addressing the gathering, Chief Medical Director of the National Hospital, Muhammad Raji Mahmud, stated that the support has greatly enhanced local cancer treatment capacity and curbed the need for patients to seek care abroad.

“We treat thousands of patients annually, and this support has been profound. It is a lifeline of hope for those who depend on our services,” he stated.

The Managing Director of Renaissance Africa Energy Company, Tony Attah, stated that the company sees the funding not as charity, but as a strategic long-term investment in national wellbeing.

“This is a strategic investment in the resilience of our health systems and the well-being of Nigerians. When people are healthy, they can contribute meaningfully to society,” Attah said.