By Idowu Abdullahi (Punch). Citing the need to curb medical tourism, health sector stakeholders have called for a stronger healthcare ecosystem to support the adoption of advanced surgical technologies in Nigeria. The stakeholders noted that robotic-assisted surgery could improve surgical precision, reduce blood loss, and shorten recovery time for patients undergoing complex procedures, but stressed that sustaining such technology would require skilled personnel, continuous training, reliable infrastructure, and strong collaboration among healthcare institutions, government, and the private sector.
They made the call when the Redeemer's Health Village unveiled robotic surgery services in partnership with RoboMed Global Inc., USA—the partnership also combines robotic surgery with a training academy to equip Nigerian professionals. Redeemer's Health Village is a faith-based 300-bed multispecialty hospital established by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). Commending RCCG leadership at the launch, Minister of State for Health Dr Iziaq Salako said the addition of robotic surgery would advance RHV's services and align with the health transformation agenda pillars of improving outcomes and unlocking the healthcare value chain: "It also resonates very strongly with our vision to reverse the dominant direction of medical tourism from outbound to inbound and save the country scarce foreign exchange."
He said RHV's structured training programme would certify surgeons to practise robotic surgery safely. Former Minister of State for Health Olorunnimbe Mamora called it another significant milestone in healthcare innovation; RCCG First National Overseer Pastor Joseph Olayemi said combining surgeons' expertise with robotic precision and the fear of God would save many lives.
