By Prince Wiro
Worried by the negative effect of medical tourism on the image of Nigeria,the Management of University of PortHarcourt Teaching Hospital,UPTH in partnership with Patricare on Tuesday,11th March 2025 unveiled a Premium Medical facility.
In his welcome address,the Chief Medical Director of UPTH,Professor Henry Ugboma asserted that Medical tourism constitute negative effect on the image of country .
He stated that the UPTH premium facility will reduce issues of medical tourism abroad and reduce the risk involved in taking patients abroad .
“it will not only benefit the host community but the whole state.it is one of the best.we have the personnel,equipment.It is cheaper than what you get abroad. it will be sustained by Private -Public partmership That is why we brought in patricare.We have the expertise.Patricare will also come with their team of experts.
“when will visioned the programme, we saw the future.We told ourselves the truth, that will can put up this infrastructure.We have the personnel.We have Teaching hospital Board sent to us by the Federal Government.Great men and women who came to make sure UPTH function and get better future.
“We put our head together,approached Central Bank of Nigeria.We started looking for partners to get a five Star hospital.We saw a young man,Teinye Isokariari who could carry the vision.Those things you go abroad to see,you can see them here,you dont need to travel out.
“Those who seek the best of medical practice should come to UPTH premium.The staff in this place are the best,both in specialist care and service delivery.Spread the good news,there will be twenty -four light.It is Sweet journey to good health”.
In his brief speech,Professor Datonye Alasia,Chairman Medical Advisory Council UPTH said “We are not closing the Teaching hospital despite unveiling the UPTH premium. We will give you the best and the best you will get in the premium.
“As a hospital, we are assesed by our ability to deliver on this strategic goal and making the right decision to achieve it”.
In his remarks, Dr.Teinye Isokariari,Managing Director of Patricare stated that they worked everyday in the past eight months to achieve result.
“We are creating support for the existing system.We have amazing people who worked on this project.To put this together,we had incredible partners.This facility standing here came from push from differebt angle.i was trained here,did my house jobs here.
“The vision is to deliver quality healthcare as obtained abroad. UPTH has been know to be a titan interms of quality health delivery.
“In the UPTH premium, we have 70 bed space,,4 theatre,special care unit,etc.The idea is to provide health care at the same level you get abroad.To ensure patient gets the best value.it is a value driven facility with excellence as the watch world” Isokariari said
The Vice Chancellor of Uiversity of PortHarcourt,Professor,Ownunari Geoergewill in his goodwill message disclosed that the premium medical facility is testament to UPTH commitment to providing topnotch medical services.
“The facility that makes people travel abroad for medical tourism is in the UPTH premium complex.They have provided all the things needed for medical pratitioners to succeed.What you are looking for in london is in PortHarcourt.When you leave here, tell people they will get the service they seek abroad in UPTH premium.
“We are with you and will continue to work the work with you” Professor Georgewill said.
Rivers State Commissioner of Health Adaeze Ore,represented by Mr Ojum Sylvanus,Director of Emergency Medical Services is his goodwill message said it is a win-win for Rivers and UPTH .
“This is a great feat,is a place to learn from.It will benefit everybody.In premium there are those that can sponsor people who cannot pay. A lot of money is spent outside the county for medical tourism. What you pay here is cheaper with assured quality health care.It has also eliminated the risk involved in sick patients travelling abroad due to the proximity of the complex.
“We will partner with you people. The complex is for the good of Rivers people.We are committed to this.The Governor who is a health friendly Governor will support.
“Let other hospitals emulate this feat.Let us not abandon UPTH despite the unveliling of the premium”.
Mr Sylvanus pleaded with PortHarcourt Electricity Distribuction Company PHEDC HEF to provide light supply.
The highpoint of the event was cutting of ribbon by the Special Guest of Honour and the immediate past Chairman of Board of UPTH,Mukta Anka,-Ahmed signifying unveiling of the facility.
Our correspondent reports that Gynaecology,Dentistry,General surgery,orthopedic,Pediatric,Dialysis,Cardiology,Neurology,Endoscopy,Radiology, Laboratory,Dermatology are the services offered by the premium medical facility.