Abuja-based cancer patients will continue to have access to radiotherapy treatment following a $300,000 donation from the NNPC/Renaissance Joint Venture to the National Hospital, Abuja.

The funding is intended to sustain the maintenance of the hospital’s Linear Accelerator (LINAC) Radiotherapy Machine, which was donated by the joint venture in 2019.

Speaking at the office of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, the Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services, Oluwaseyi Omotowa, said the machine has treated over 2,000 patients and reduced therapy times from 12 minutes to two minutes.

He added that 712 indigent patients have received subsidised care ranging from 25 to 100 per cent.

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

He emphasised that the donation would ensure timely maintenance, minimise downtime, maintain precise calibration, and guarantee compliance with medical standards.

The Coordinating Minister, Ali Pate, described the donation as a model corporate intervention aligned with federal efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure.

“This aligns perfectly with the broader efforts to revamp critical infrastructure aimed at improving the quality of healthcare for our people,” he said.

The Chief Medical Director of the National Hospital, Muhammad Raji Mahmud, said the contribution has strengthened local capacity for cancer treatment and reduced reliance on medical tourism.

“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 said.

Tony Attah, Managing Director of Renaissance Africa Energy Company, described the funding as a long-term investment in national health systems rather than charity.

“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,” he stated.

Cancer continues to be a leading cause of death in Nigeria, with limited radiotherapy equipment available nationwide.

The NNPC/Renaissance LINAC machine remains one of the few operational units in the country, and the recent donation is expected to sustain uninterrupted treatment cycles for patients in Abuja.