Former Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, has urged for stronger collaboration between public and private hospitals to stop the growing trend of Nigerians traveling abroad for medical treatment. Speaking in Abuja at the commissioning of new state-of-the-art medical units at Wellington Neurosurgery Hospital, the cardinal condemned medical tourism, especially among Nigerian leaders.
He stressed that Nigeria already has qualified professionals and advanced facilities in private hospitals, making overseas trips unnecessary. Calling for a health and education emergency, Onaiyekan emphasized that government should partner with private individuals to improve local healthcare.
The Cardinal praised Dr Charles Ugwuanyi, CEO of Wellington Neurosurgery, for creating a world-class hospital amidst challenging conditions, and insisted such standards must be replicated across public facilities through partnerships.
Sen. John Eno and former Enugu Governor Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo lauded the hospital’s facilities and Ugwuanyi’s dedication, encouraging young entrepreneurs to emulate his vision.
Ugwuanyi himself highlighted the comprehensive care the hospital offers and called for increased government-private sector collaboration to reduce medical tourism and enhance healthcare delivery across Nigeria.
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