By Bisola Adeyemo
The service providers under the aegis of the Guild of Medical Directors (GMD), FCT chapter, have showcased the latest technology and treatments obtainable in their facilities to curb treatments for medical condition such as kidney, lung, and heart diseases, brain and spinal cord injuries.
The event which was tagged “What’s New in Abuja on Friday drew medical practitioners from different areas of medicine including medical directors and heads of health facilities in the territory.
Ihejieto who condemned the increasing rate of medical tourism in Nigeria assured that most of the services obtainable abroad were provided in Nigeria, NAN reports.
“The private sector healthcare service providers recognize the need to improve quality of services available to the public and today’s event is to showcase what new technologies, equipment, and treatments are available in Nigeria in the different fields of medicine.
“Since we have this expertise, there is a need for us to sensitise people and tell them that these services are available here.
“There is an urgent need for us to start the process of reversing medical tourism to Asia, Europe, and other countries of the world.
Dr Iseko Iseko, Group Medical Director, The Limi Hospitals, said that despite efforts by private healthcare providers to improve the quality of healthcare services, medical tourism continues unabated undermining the gains made in the sector.
“To curb medical tourism, it is important for citizens to know the kind of services available here in the country and that these are quality services which are done right.
“This will help citizens to better decide on accessing these services. Cardiocare hospital, a member of The Limi Hospitals, does cardiac catheterization services together with dialysis and kidney transplants.
“Cardiac catheterization means we can operate on the heart even while the patient is awake; they do not need to travel abroad, we can also put in pacemakers and fix heart blocks.
Dr Ferdinand Umelo, the Medical Director and Consultant Gyenacologist, Cedarcrest Hospitals, Gudu, said that the hospital provides health services in all areas of medicine.