By Isaac Mission

Governor Peter Mbah’s efforts to reduce Nigerians’ dependence on overseas medical treatment are gaining momentum, with the Enugu International Hospital (EIH) nearing its official opening.

The Chief Executive Officer of EIH, Professor Sam Agwu, said the 300-bed facility on Rangers Avenue, Enugu, is almost ready for commissioning, with advanced medical equipment already installed.

Speaking to journalists during a tour of the facility, Agwu said the hospital was established as part of Governor Mbah’s plan to tackle medical tourism and reduce the amount of money Nigerians spend on healthcare abroad.

Nigeria is estimated to lose between $1.2 billion and $2.39 billion annually through medical tourism. Oncology, cardiology, nephrology and orthopaedic surgery are believed to account for a significant portion of the funds spent outside the country.

According to Agwu, EIH is designed to provide many of the specialised services that Nigerians currently travel abroad to access. He expressed confidence that the hospital could reduce the country’s medical capital outflow by about 40 per cent within its first year of operation.

He also said the facility could eventually attract patients from other African countries as well as Europe and the United States, particularly because treatment costs in Enugu could be considerably lower while maintaining high standards of care.

The hospital will feature several specialised centres, including a cancer centre offering medical, surgical and radiology services. A cardiac and vascular centre will also provide advanced cardiovascular procedures, including open-heart surgery.

Agwu disclosed that a leading cardiothoracic surgeon from the United Kingdom is expected to serve as the hospital’s chief medical officer. Beyond treating patients, the specialist will also contribute to the training of cardiac surgeons at the facility.

Another major feature of the hospital will be its nuclear medicine unit, which is expected to include advanced PET scan technology. The facility will also produce radioactive medical materials using an on-site cyclotron.

Agwu explained that PET scanning can help doctors identify disease at the cellular and molecular levels, allowing for earlier diagnosis and helping clinicians monitor how patients respond to treatment.

EIH is also expected to provide specialised neurological and renal services. Its planned Cardiorenal Centre will bring together expertise and technology focused on conditions affecting the heart and kidneys.

Among the equipment already installed at the facility are CT scanners, MRI machines and mammography equipment.

Agwu said the hospital’s commitment would ultimately be centred on the patient, promising that everyone who seeks treatment at EIH would receive quality healthcare delivered with dignity and compassion.

With its range of specialised services and advanced technology, the Enugu International Hospital is expected to play a significant role in strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system and reducing the need for patients to seek treatment overseas.