The NNPC/Renaissance Joint Venture has donated $300,000 to the National Hospital in Abuja to support the maintenance of its advanced cancer treatment machine, the Linear Accelerator Radiotherapy Machine. This donation aims to prevent treatment disruptions caused by funding gaps and ensure the continuous operation of the machine, which has already treated over 2,000 patients since its installation in 2019.
The machine, one of the most sophisticated cancer-treatment systems in the country, has significantly improved cancer care at the hospital, reducing treatment costs by 80% and therapy time from 12 minutes to 2 minutes. Additionally, 712 indigent patients have received subsidized care, with discounts ranging from 25% to 100%. The donation will enable timely maintenance, minimize downtime, and ensure compliance with medical standards, thereby maintaining the machine’s availability and precision.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, praised the donation, describing it as a model corporate intervention that aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s focus on health sector investment. The Chief Medical Director of the National Hospital, Muhammad Raji Mahmud, noted that the support has significantly strengthened local capacity for cancer treatment and reduced reliance on medical tourism.
Cancer remains a leading cause of death in Nigeria, with over 100,000 new cases recorded annually. The limited access to radiotherapy equipment has forced many patients to seek treatment abroad. The NNPC/Renaissance LINAC machine has been crucial in bridging this gap, and the fresh $300,000 injection is expected to sustain uninterrupted treatment cycles, a critical factor in improving survival rates among cancer patients.
The donation reflects the joint venture’s commitment to building long-term partnerships that strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system. As stated by the Managing Director of Renaissance Africa Energy Company, Tony Attah, the funding is viewed as a long-term investment in national wellbeing, enabling people to contribute meaningfully to society when they are healthy. With this support, the National Hospital is expected to continue providing quality cancer treatment, reducing the need for medical tourism and improving health outcomes for Nigerians.