Gynaecological Oncology Services Capacity Assessment at Tertiary Hospitals in the North Central Zone

Gynaecological cancers, particularly cervical and ovarian cancer, present at advanced stages in most Nigerian patients, partly because of inadequate specialist oncology service capacity in tertiary hospitals across geopolitical zones including the North Central. This study assesses the capacity and service delivery status of gynaecological oncology at tertiary hospitals in the North Central geopolitical zone, covering University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Jos University Teaching Hospital, and University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital. Structured facility capacity assessments covered specialist workforce, diagnostic equipment, pathology services, surgical oncology capability, chemotherapy availability, and radiotherapy access. In-depth interviews with six gynaecological oncologists and two pathologists provided service delivery context. None of the three facilities had in-house radiotherapy services, requiring patient referrals to Lagos or Ibadan. Colposcopy services were available in only one facility. FIGO staging documentation was inconsistently applied across facilities. Mean waiting time from referral to first oncology appointment was 6.3 weeks. The absence of HPV DNA testing at any facility limited evidence-based screening. The study identifies critical oncology service gaps in the North Central zone and recommends investment in colposcopy, radiotherapy access through regional referral compacts, specialist gynaecological oncologist training, and standardised staging documentation. Keywords: gynaecological oncology, service capacity, North Central Nigeria, cervical cancer, tertiary hospital