Katsina State is poised to become a focal point for cancer care in Northern Nigeria following the development of a state-of-the-art Advanced Imaging and Cancer Hospital, designed to bridge the gap in affordable diagnostic and specialised radiotherapy services.
The facility, currently under construction, is designed to bridge the country’s significant diagnostic gap. Equipped with advanced medical technology from Siemens Healthineers, the centre is expected to become a leading regional hub for cancer diagnostics and specialised healthcare services, serving patients from across Nigeria and neighbouring countries.
Access to early and accurate diagnosis remains one of the greatest hurdles in cancer survival in sub-Saharan Africa. The new hospital, being constructed by Submed Nigeria Limited, aims to address this by featuring high-end medical equipment including MRI and PET-CT scanners.
These tools, alongside adaptive radiotherapy systems and integrated digital platforms, are designed to support real-time diagnosis, allowing for a seamless transition from screening to treatment.
Speaking during a technical engagement at the Government House on Thursday, Governor Dikko Radda noted that the initiative is a strategic investment in the healthcare system. “It is unacceptable that people die from preventable causes simply because they cannot afford basic healthcare services,” he stated, adding that the goal is to ensure quality care remains affordable.
The clinical implications of the project extend beyond basic care. Ekta Jhala, a senior official at Varian, noted that the facility would place Katsina at the forefront of precision radiotherapy in the region. Unlike conventional methods, precision radiotherapy allows for more accurate targeting of tumours, minimising damage to healthy surrounding tissue.
The State Director of Medical Services, Bala Habibu, further highlighted that the facility would significantly improve early disease detection and provide a vital platform for ongoing medical research into cancer patterns in the region.
To ensure the long-term clinical efficacy of the centre, the state government has pledged to prioritise the continuous training of healthcare professionals, both locally and internationally.
Mojisola Delumo, Director of Operations at Submed Nigeria Limited, explained that the centre’s capacity will significantly reduce the “medical exodus”—the trend of Nigerians seeking expensive treatment abroad.
While the facility aims to boost medical tourism and the local economy, the primary focus remains a broader healthcare reform to strengthen primary and secondary facilities, ensuring that the tertiary cancer centre functions as part of a robust, integrated health network.
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