Lagos — Professor Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, has revealed that Nigeria loses approximately $2 billion annually to medical tourism, emphasizing the need for the country to establish health sovereignty and reduce reliance on foreign healthcare services. He highlighted that a lack of trust in local healthcare facilities and the difficulty citizens face in accessing quality medical care are major contributors to this financial drain.

Pate, who was represented by Wasiu Adeyemo, the Chief Medical Director of Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), made these remarks during the inauguration of Avon Medical Centre, a 50-bed specialty hospital in Surulere, Lagos. He expressed confidence that facilities like Avon Medical Centre would help reverse this troubling trend. He also noted that the government is committed to transforming the healthcare sector through initiatives such as the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and the 2024-2027 Health Sector Strategic Blueprint.

Pate emphasized that the goal is not merely to halt medical tourism but to foster health sovereignty—enabling Nigeria to provide quality healthcare to its citizens, while developing its institutions, talent, and innovation. He added that the government is eager to collaborate with the private sector to enhance healthcare, through expanding health insurance, implementing regulatory reforms, and establishing partnerships with national health programs. He welcomed Avon Medical Centre and other private providers as essential partners in building a healthier and more equitable Nigeria.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who also spoke at the event, stressed the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in addressing the country’s healthcare challenges. He acknowledged that while the government alone cannot resolve all the issues, it is committed to creating an environment where private investment in healthcare can thrive. He commended Avon Medical for its significant contribution to the healthcare industry, not just in Lagos but across Nigeria.

In her speech, Awele Elumelu, the Chairperson of Avon Healthcare Limited, pointed out the pressing shortage of doctors, beds, and medical equipment that strains Nigeria’s healthcare system. She reflected on the company’s mission since 2009 to make high-quality healthcare accessible and affordable to all Nigerians, not just the wealthy. Elumelu stressed that despite Africa bearing more than 20% of the global disease burden, it has only 1% of the world’s healthcare resources. Avon Medical’s goal, she said, is to build a healthcare system that leaves no one behind, adhering to the principles of Afri-capitalism, where the private sector not only generates profit but also creates lasting positive impact on society.