A former Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, has called for stronger collaboration between public and private hospitals to curb medical tourism in Nigeria.

Mr Onaiyekan made the call in Abuja on Friday during the commissioning of the ultra-modern operating suites, Intensive Care Unit, and Renal Dialysis Unit of Wellington Neurosurgery Hospital.

The cardinal, who officiated a mass before the commissioning, condemned the frequent medical trips abroad by Nigerian leaders.

He said there was no reason for Nigerians to seek medical treatment overseas when the country had qualified professionals and advanced facilities in some private hospitals.

“I join those calling for a state of emergency in the health and education sectors. Government should partner with the private sector to discourage medical tourism,” he said.

Mr Onaiyekan commended the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Consultant Neurosurgeon of the hospital, Dr Charles Ugwuanyi, for building a world-class medical facility in spite the challenging system.

“For a private citizen to raise such an edifice, we must ask why our public institutions cannot operate at this level. If government cannot do it, it should partner with private individuals so that Nigerians can receive quality care locally,” he said.

He urged government to channel public funds into developing health facilities instead of sponsoring trips abroad for medical treatment.

“With the calibre of professionals we have, no Nigerian should need to go abroad for treatment,” he added.

Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, John Eno, congratulated Mr Ugwuanyi, describing the project as a demonstration of medical excellence and dedication.

He prayed for divine wisdom for the hospital staff and healing for patients who would benefit from its services.

Also speaking, a former Governor of Enugu State, Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo, praised Mr Onaiyekan for his exemplary leadership and Mr Ugwuanyi for his brilliance and diligence as a neurosurgeon.

He urged young entrepreneurs to emulate Mr Ugwuanyi’s vision and commitment, stressing that success comes with hard work and discipline.

“The facilities in this hospital are sophisticated and must be well maintained,” Mr Nwodo added.

Earlier, Mr Ugwuanyi attributed the achievement to God, saying his motivation was to provide quality healthcare services to humanity.

He listed the inaugurated units to include intensive care, renal and dialysis, brain and spine theatres, general theatre, and kidney transplant theatre.

Other facilities include the neuroimaging and diagnostic unit, MRI and CT scan units, X-ray, ultrasound, echocardiography, accident and emergency section, and laboratory.

He said the hospital would provide comprehensive treatment for neurological and renal conditions using advanced medical technology.

Mr Ugwuanyi also urged government to strengthen its collaboration with private hospitals to reduce medical tourism, noting that public–private partnership was essential for healthcare delivery.

“All over the world, high-end healthcare delivery involves strong private sector participation. Government cannot do it alone,” he said.

He expressed hope that the inauguration by Mr Onaiyekan would bring divine blessing and healing to patients who seek care at the hospital. 

(NAN)