Nigeria’s Health and Social Welfare Minister, Professor Ali Pate, says the country loses about $2 billion every year because many people travel abroad for medical care. He stressed the need for Nigeria to improve its healthcare system and reduce its dependence on foreign hospitals.

Professor Pate, who was represented by the Chief Medical Director of Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Professor Wasiu Adeyemo, spoke at the opening of Avon Medical Centre. The new 50-bed hospital is located in Surulere, Lagos.

He said one of the main reasons people seek medical treatment abroad is because they don’t trust local hospitals or can’t access good medical services. However, he believes new hospitals like Avon Medical Centre could help change this and keep more patients in Nigeria.

The government is working on improving healthcare through projects like the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and a new plan for 2024 to 2027 called the Health Sector Strategic Blueprint.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, also spoke at the event. He said the government can’t solve healthcare problems alone and called for stronger partnerships between public and private organisations.

Avon Healthcare Chairperson, Awele Elumelu, said Nigeria’s healthcare system is under pressure because there aren’t enough doctors, hospital beds, or medical equipment.