Medical experts seek FG’s support for healthcare, alternative medicine

Worried over the huge amount spent by Nigerians on medical tourism, Managing Director (MD) of Cedarcrest Hospitals, Felix Ogedegbe has charged the Federal Government to adequately fund healthcare delivery in the country.

He gave the charge at the opening of Cedarcrest Hospitals in Lagos where he urged medical practitioners who fled the country for greener pastures to return home and develop the country’s healthcare delivery system.

“There are a lot of indices out there for the fact that millions of dollars are being spent by Nigerians who go out for healthcare, we think this can be reversed if there is collaboration in the private sector and the government.

“Nigerians should invest in the healthcare sector. The government should also have a framework that will help in setting up a proper hospital that can compete with others in other parts of the world,” he said.

He added that the government announced a list of service areas that they would give incentives but did not mention healthcare sector, saying the trend was unfortunate.

“Nigerians spend a lot outside the country and we have the capacity to provide healthcare at home. There are very good Nigerian doctors who are willing to return home and offer their services.

Lagos State Commissioner for Wealth Creation, Babatunde Durosinmi-Etti, said the establishment of the hospital was a welcome development.

Meanwhile, as part of efforts to raise awareness on alternative medicine, the Managing Director of Ruzu Natural Health, Uzu Onyemaechi Robert, has called for the integration of herbal medicine in the healthcare industry.

He made the call at the unveiling of its new product ‘kamkpe’ herbal drink in Lagos, adding it mission was to transform lives through herbal drugs and to create financial freedom.

“Through creative innovation and sincerity, we understand the need of the people and that is our objective. We formulated the product with roots to suit people’s needs,” he added.