Former Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, has called for stronger collaboration between public and private hospitals to curb the growing trend of medical tourism in Nigeria.
Onaiyekan made the call on Friday in Abuja during the commissioning of the Ultra-Modern Operating Suites, Intensive Care Unit, and Renal Dialysis Unit of Wellington Neurosurgery Hospital.
The cleric, who officiated a Holy Mass before the commissioning, decried the frequent medical trips abroad by Nigerian leaders, describing them as unnecessary.
He said there was no justification for Nigerians to seek medical treatment overseas when the country had qualified professionals and advanced facilities in several 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.
Onaiyekan commended Dr. Charles Ugwuanyi, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Consultant Neurosurgeon of the hospital, for establishing a world-class medical facility despite the challenges within the 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 the government to channel public funds toward developing health facilities rather than financing overseas medical trips.
“With the calibre of professionals we have, no Nigerian should need to go abroad for treatment,” he added.
The Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Sen. John Eno, who also attended the event, congratulated Ugwuanyi, describing the project as a demonstration of medical excellence and commitment to service.
He prayed for divine wisdom for the hospital’s staff and healing for all patients who would benefit from its services.
Also speaking, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, former Governor of Enugu State, commended Cardinal Onaiyekan for his exemplary leadership and lauded Ugwuanyi for his brilliance and dedication as a neurosurgeon.
“The facilities in this hospital are sophisticated and must be well maintained,” Nwodo said, urging young entrepreneurs to emulate Ugwuanyi’s vision, hard work, and discipline.
Earlier in his remarks, Dr. Ugwuanyi attributed the project’s success to God, stating that he was driven by a passion to provide quality healthcare services to humanity.
He listed the newly commissioned facilities to include the Intensive Care Unit, Renal and Dialysis Unit, Brain and Spine Theatres, General Theatre, and Kidney Transplant Theatre. Other sections include the Neuroimaging and Diagnostic Unit, MRI and CT Scan Units, X-ray, Ultrasound, Echocardiography, Accident and Emergency Section, and a fully equipped laboratory.
Ugwuanyi said the hospital would offer comprehensive treatment for neurological and renal conditions using advanced medical technology.
He also urged the government to strengthen partnerships with private healthcare providers to reduce medical tourism, stressing that public–private collaboration was essential for effective healthcare delivery.
“All over the world, high-end healthcare delivery involves strong private sector participation. Government cannot do it alone,” he said.
Ugwuanyi expressed hope that the commissioning by Cardinal Onaiyekan would bring divine blessing and healing to patients seeking care at the hospital.
