The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) has established the first ever public-private biomedical and cancer research Centre in the country.
Speaking during the launch, the President Nigeria Medical Association, Dr. Kayode Obembe, said the Centre was going to aid in tackling cancer situation, one of the nation’s top killer disease.
While congratulating the nation for achievements such as the elimination of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and Polio, reduction of child and infant mortality rate and enactment of the National Health Act, he noted that a lot still need to be done in area of disease research and management hence the reason for the Centre.
He commended the Director General of NIMR, Prof. Innocent Ujah for the achievement, describing the research Centre as the first public-private government owned cancer research institute equipped with functional hi-tech equipment from Sysmex, an international diagnostic equipment supplier.
“This is a very unique episode in medical practice. The edifice is symbolic because it illustrates how public-private partnership can be very effective in moving healthcare forward. We are happy because unlike other such buildings that are not functioning, this one is functional, the equipment are already inside and we believe they are going to deliver”, he said.
In his remark, Prof. Innocent Ujah, explained that the Centre was set up to aid in cancer research and management which he said has been hampered by lack of funding and fewer equipment. He therefore called on government and philanthropic organizations to show more support for the cause.
According to him, the institute without any funding from government, decided to embark on the partnership with Sysmex as a way of moving forward.
“Instead of waiting for government alone, we went ahead with this project. We believe the facility will improve our research capacity and update our knowledge. It is only through research that this country can have any development in the sector”, he said.
Pro. Ujah further disclosed that the Centre would also be a focal point for the clinical trial on Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and ARD resistance for HIV/AIDS.
