Mary Nnah
Pearl Oncology Specialist Hospital, a trailblazing medical facility dedicated to providing world-class cancer care in Nigeria, upgrades from a Cancer Clinic to a Specialist Cancer Care Hospital and officially opened its new facility with a grand launch event held in Lagos recently
The facility was declared open in Lagos by the Managing Director, Sahara Group, Mr Kola Adesina alongside Director General, Nigeria Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), Professor Usman Malami Aliyu who gave the event lecture which focused on Closing the Cancer Gap while Professor Francis Durosinmi-Etti, a renowned Clinical and Radiation Oncologist at the University of Lagos was also in attendance.
In her Keynote address, the Founder and Chief Medical Director of the Hospital, Dr Omolola Salako explained that “Pearl Oncology Specialist Hospital is a specialized cancer centre with a vision to be the preferred choice of humane cancer care and an ally to conquer cancer in Africa. The hospital’s mission is to prevent, treat, cure and palliate cancer while advancing calm, clarity and hope in every patient interaction”.
Since the clinical operations commenced in 2021, Pearl Oncology Specialist Hospital has expanded into four cancer centres, treating over 400 unique cancer patients.
“As a patient-centric cancer centre, we recognize the financial challenges associated with cancer care. Through our TGIF Cancer Clinic, we have actively addressed this concern by providing discounted and subsidized treatment costs for 70 cancer patients, resulting in a cumulative value of 30 million naira in treatment discounts. This initiative underscores our commitment to alleviating the financial burden on patients and ensuring accessibility to high-quality cancer care”, she added.
Mr Adesina who was the Chairman of the occasion, his speech, remarked that what sets Pearl Oncology Specialist Hospital apart from the others is the hospital’s approach to humane cancer care. He emphasised the importance of putting empathy at the forefront of medicine and praised Dr Salako for her focus on closing the cancer gap.
In his lecture, the Director General of NICRAT explained that eliminating the barriers to cancer care was crucial and this was central to NICRAT’s mandate.
He commended the Pearl Oncologist Specialist Hospital’s efforts in reducing the cost of breast cancer care through its Thank God it’s Friday cancer clinic and technology-enabled services.
Nestled in the heart of Lekki, Lagos, the hospital represents a pivotal moment in the healthcare landscape, offering a comprehensive range of specialised oncology services and state-of-the-art facilities designed to meet the unique needs of cancer patients.
Pearl Oncology Specialist Hospital is a chain of cancer centres driving quality cancer care in various communities starting from the Lekk environs, where it is planted and expanding.
At inception, it decided to share its clinical resources and expertise with established hospitals in various communities. By so doing was making quality cancer care available in hospitals like Nigerian Navy Hospital, Ojo town-2021; RJOLAD Hospital-Gbagada, 2022; St Nicholas Hospital VI-2023 while more centres are loading.
Key Highlights of Pearl Oncology Specialist Hospital include:
Cutting-edge Treatment Facilities – equipped with the latest advancements in medical technology, the hospital boasts specialised equipment for various types of cancers, ensuring personalised and effective care; Leading Oncologists and Medical Staff: A team of renowned oncologists, surgeons, nurses, dietitians, psychologists and healthcare professionals with expertise in various cancer specialities are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care and support.
Patient-Centric Approach: The Pearl Oncology Specialist Hospital team understands the emotional and physical challenges accompanying a cancer diagnosis. Hence, the patient-centric approach ensures that individuals and their families receive compassionate care, support, and guidance throughout their journey.
Cancer Awareness: Pearl Oncology Specialist Hospital is deeply committed to raising awareness about cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment options. Educational programs and community outreach initiatives have been an integral part of its mission.
Pearl Oncology Specialist Hospital delivers comprehensive services centred around three key priorities: Cancer Prevention, Treatment, and Survivorship. Our array of services encompasses a spectrum that goes beyond mere medical care, ensuring a holistic approach to our patients’ well-being. Our commitment to cancer prevention, state-of-the-art treatment modalities, and compassionate survivorship support reflects our unwavering dedication to providing unparalleled care throughout the entire cancer journey.
A board member, Dr. Babatunde Salako, shared with esteemed guests that the hospital doors are wide open to the public, welcoming individuals seeking preventive and treatment services. He extended an invitation for potential business collaborations, partnerships, and referrals.
“Your interest and engagement are pivotal to our mission of providing comprehensive and accessible cancer care services”, he added.
Pearl Oncology, guided by its poignant slogan, “At the heART of humane cancer care,” celebrated its launch with the unveiling of a vibrant and uplifting mural by Prof Aliu. Dr. Salako emphasized the symbolic importance of this inaugural installation, underscoring the organization’s unwavering dedication to providing patients with a tranquil and aesthetically pleasing environment to undergo treatment and freely express their emotions.
Adorning the mural are inspiring inscriptions such as Hope, Faith, Courage, Strength, and Love, each corresponding to the names of the ward rooms. These words serve as a poignant reminder of the positive emotions essential in navigating the challenging journey of cancer. This artistic initiative not only enhances the physical space but also contributes to fostering an atmosphere of resilience and optimism for both patients and caregivers alike.
