Nuclear Medicine Unveils New Era In Health Care

Nuclear medicine is set to introduce a new era in healthcare for Nigerians, offering transformative solutions for diagnosing and treatment of life-threatening illnesses such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

According to a statement issued by Obehi Blessing Ikechukwu, an Education Consultant with JSP Communications, the cutting-edge technologies were rooted in the use of radioactive substances, and are not just improving the accuracy of medical diagnostics but also paving the way for more effective treatments. “As the global medical landscape advances, Nigeria’s adoption of nuclear medicine is becoming a vital strategy for enhancing the nation’s healthcare system and improving the quality of life for its citizens.”

Ikechukwu stated that despite the transformative potential of nuclear medicine, its accessibility in Nigeria remains limited. “The University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan, which established the country’s first nuclear medicine department in 2006, remains a cornerstone of this field. Between 2010 and 2018, UCH conducted an average of 486 nuclear medicine scans annually, serving patients from 32 of Nigeria’s 36 states. However, over 65% of these patients had to travel more than 100 kilometers to access these services, highlighting the limited reach of nuclear medicine in the country.”

The statement reads that the National Hospital Abuja houses one of only two government-owned nuclear medicine facilities, offering diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

Also that private institutions are stepping in to bridge the gap. “For instance, in 2024, the Loveworld Medical Centre in Lagos introduced nuclear medicine services. This initiative aims to reduce reliance on medical tourism by providing advanced diagnostic and treatment options locally.

“Nuclear medicine presents a significant opportunity to reduce the financial and emotional burden of medical tourism on Nigerian families. It is estimated that Nigerians spend between $500 million and $1 billion annually seeking cancer treatment abroad. These staggering figures highlight the inadequacies of the local healthcare system and underscore the urgent need for domestic solutions.

“Rather than sending patients overseas, investing in advanced nuclear medicine facilities within Nigeria can redirect these resources toward strengthening local healthcare infrastructure. This strategic shift would not only provide patients with high-quality care closer to home but also stimulate the nation’s economy by retaining billions of dollars currently spent abroad.

“Cancer remains a critical healthcare challenge in Nigeria, with rising incidences and limited resources for treatment and care. Nuclear medicine can be a game-changer in addressing this crisis. For instance, the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority– “Lagos University Teaching Hospital (NSIA-LUTH) Nigeria Cancer Centre has announced plans to establish a nuclear medicine department by 2025. This state-of-the-art facility will be equipped with cutting-edge technologies such as PET and SPECT scans, cyclotrons, and radiopharmacy.”

It noted that over the last five years, the NSIA-LUTH centre has treated more than 10,000 cancer patients, restoring confidence in Nigeria’s medical system and saving countless lives. The addition of nuclear medicine capabilities will further enhance the centre’s ability to monitor treatment progress with unparalleled precision, ensuring better outcomes for patients.

“As Nigeria moves to establish a robust nuclear medicine sector, international partnerships play a pivotal role in achieving these ambitions. In 2023, Tomsk Polytechnic University (TPU), a leading institution under Russia’s Rosatom State Corporation, signed a memorandum of understanding with the Nigerian Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC). This partnership focuses on developing Nigeria’s human resource capacity in nuclear medicine, highlighting the importance of education and training in building a sustainable healthcare infrastructure.

“Through collaborations with global leaders like Russia, Nigeria can gain access to world-class expertise and technologies in nuclear medicine. These partnerships will enable the country to train local professionals, ensuring that the benefits of nuclear medicine reach every corner of the nation.

“The development of nuclear medicine in Nigeria is more than a technological advancement; it is a lifeline for thousands of patients who would otherwise face uncertainty and financial strain. By investing in this field, Nigeria is taking a bold step toward ensuring that every citizen has access to high-quality healthcare.

“Moreover, as the country strengthens its capacity in nuclear medicine, it will reduce its dependence on foreign medical systems, retaining both financial and intellectual resources within its borders. These advancements will foster a healthier, more resilient nation, capable of meeting the healthcare challenges of the future.

“The horizon for nuclear medicine in Nigeria is bright, filled with the promise of life-changing technologies that can revolutionise the nation’s healthcare system. By addressing the pressing challenges of cancer and other diseases, reducing medical tourism, and fostering international collaborations, Nigeria is poised to emerge as a regional leader in medical innovation.

“The establishment of advanced nuclear medicine facilities, coupled with strategic investments in education and infrastructure, will ensure that the benefits of these technologies reach every Nigerian. In doing so, the nation will not only transform its healthcare landscape but also improve the lives of its citizens for generations to come.”