FG Backs Private Sector Investment in Robotic Surgery, Moves to Curb Medical Tourism

The Federal Government has expressed strong support for private sector investment in robotic surgery and other advanced medical technologies, describing such investments as critical to improving healthcare delivery and reducing Nigerians’ dependence on overseas treatment.

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, stated this at a recent dinner luncheon marking the launch of the Redeemer’s Health Village (RHV) Robotic Surgery Programme in Lagos.

Salako said the introduction of robotic surgery, which offers greater surgical precision, faster recovery, earlier discharge and improved patient outcomes, was in line with the Federal Government’s health transformation agenda and its efforts to reverse the trend of medical tourism.

He commended the leadership of the Redeemed Christian Church of God and the Chief Executive Officer of RHV, Dr Ademola Dada, for investing in infrastructure, human resources and advanced technology to position the facility as a world-class healthcare centre.

According to the Minister, the initiative aligns with two key pillars of the government’s health transformation agenda – improving health outcomes and unlocking the healthcare value chain.

He said the adoption of robotic surgery would contribute to the government’s vision of reversing the dominant direction of medical tourism from outbound to inbound, while conserving the country’s scarce foreign exchange.

Salako noted that the government recognised the critical role of the private sector in delivering high-end medical services, stressing that private healthcare providers currently account for more than 50 per cent of healthcare services in Nigeria.

He cited the Presidential Initiative on Unlocking Healthcare Value Chain and the Presidential Executive Order for Pharmaceutical and Allied Sectors as measures being implemented to strengthen local capacity and attract greater private sector participation in healthcare delivery.

The Minister explained that the Presidential Initiative on Unlocking Healthcare Value Chain was designed to accelerate transformation across the health sector through coordination and collaboration, while the executive order provides incentives for local manufacturing of medicines and other healthcare commodities, including syringes and rapid diagnostic test kits.

He said the initiatives were aimed at building a resilient health system by leveraging funding mechanisms, pooled procurement, research and innovation, with the private sector serving as a major driver.

Salako also disclosed that the RHV robotic surgery programme includes a structured training programme for surgeons interested in robotic surgery, with certification to enable participants to practise the technology safely and under controlled conditions.

He described the training component as a commendable opportunity to upgrade the clinical skills of Nigerian surgeons and encouraged medical professionals to take advantage of it.

The minister further commended RHV’s partnership with RoboMed Global Inc. of the United States, describing the Nigeria Diaspora-led enterprise’s decision to bring its expertise to the country as consistent with the Federal Government’s strategy of engaging Nigerian professionals in the diaspora.

He said the government viewed Nigerians with professional expertise abroad as valuable resources who could contribute to national development through temporary or permanent engagements.

According to him, this principle informed the Diaspora Health Impact Initiative and the recently launched Diaspora Advance Health Programme Portal, both of which are designed to create opportunities for Nigerian health professionals in the diaspora to contribute to the country’s healthcare system.

Salako said the introduction of robotic surgery at RHV would strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to provide advanced, precise and minimally invasive surgical care delivered by Nigerian professionals trained to global standards.

He said the development would enable Nigerians to access world-class surgical interventions without travelling abroad.

“East or West, home is the best, and the best place to get the best care is wherever you call home and for us here, that is Nigeria”, he said.

The Minister thanked key actors behind the initiative, including Dr Dada and Professor Ekwenna, for their efforts in bringing the programme to fruition.

He disclosed that about $4 million had been invested in the initiative, describing the investment as a demonstration of confidence in the economic reforms being implemented by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Salako urged more Nigerians in the diaspora to emulate the initiative by investing in Nigeria, stressing that such investments could create employment opportunities and contribute to the country’s economic prosperity.

He assured private investors and healthcare institutions of the Federal Government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for the expansion of high-end healthcare services across the country.

The minister called for collective efforts to build a health system anchored on equity and affordability while possessing the capacity to meet the healthcare needs of Nigerians.