LAPO multi-billion specialist hospital to address medical tourism - Ehigiamusoe
Lift Above Poverty Organization (LAPO), a leading microfinance bank an institution in Africa said its multi-billion multi-specialist hospital in Benin, Edo State capital will address medical tourism in the Country.
The 70-bed hospital was commissioned by Godwin Obaseki, Edo State Governor.
The hospital named “Benin Medical Care Hospital and Diagnostic Centre, seeks to reduce medical tourism by Nigerians by providing access to world-class medical diagnostics and solutions.
Speaking at the commissioning, Godwin Ehigiamusoe, chairman, the board of directors of the hospital said the medical care also seeks to enhance the health status of Nigerians, especially in Benin City and environs through the provision of quality medical services that are accessible and affordable.
Ehigiamusoe said the organization was motivated to set up the medical facility to address preventable deaths arising from inadequate medical.
He also listed pauperization arising from poor Nigerians selling off assets in order to access quality diagnostic service, lack of access to quality healthcare in rural communities create access to excellent medical services to the mass of Nigerians among the reasons for the establishment of the hospital.
“Benin Medical Care which is a multi-specialist entity envisaged to be a center of excellence in medical care in the region. BMC shall in conjunction with LAPONGO, run community health outreach programmes.
“Major components of the programme shall include rural mobile clinics which shall provide opportunities for rural dwellers to have access to basic medical services
“Mobile phone health services which shall enable patients in remote communities to be reached with basic medical services through digital channels and community-based health insurance scheme through which cost of access to health services will be lowered for needy individuals.
“BMC diagnostics which is well-resourced entity is to provide excellent diagnostic services, state- of- the - art facilities include 1-5T MRI, 64 slice CT Scan, digital mammography, 40 ultrasound scan, digital X-rays, ECG as well as fluoroscopy, and fully automated laboratory services”, he said.
He opined that achieving an acceptable level of access to healthcare in Nigeria, especially in rural communities, would require urgent and substantial involvement of non - state actors such as the private sector, non - government organizations and international development organizations.
He, however, noted that with adequate planning and dedication to excellent services the double bottom-line of profit and social goal can be achieved in healthcare management.