SPOTLIGHTS
- The lack of a functional airport and poor road conditions in Ekiti State are hindering patients’ access to the AMSH
- The hospital offers high-quality healthcare services, comparable to overseas hospitals
- The challenges have impacted the founder’s aim to end medical tourism abroad
- Despite these obstacles, the hospital continues to receive patients from across the world and is committed to providing free healthcare services to certain groups
From Priscilla Ediare, Ado-Ekiti
The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of Afe Babalola University Multi-System Hospital (AMSH) in Ado-Ekiti, Dr Kolawole Ogundipe, has expressed concern over the lack of a functional airport and the poor condition of federal roads in Ekiti State, which he says are hindering patients’ access to the hospital’s quality healthcare services.
Dr Ogundipe stated that these challenges have also impacted the founder of the University and Hospital, Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), in his aim to end medical tourism to foreign countries.
While addressing journalists in Ado-Ekiti, the CMD highlighted the hospital’s capabilities, emphasizing that the 400-bed facility is equipped with modern technology and offers affordable, high-quality healthcare services comparable to overseas hospitals.
Dr Ogundipe noted that Babalola has invested significantly to support the federal government’s efforts to provide quality healthcare services to the people.
He also mentioned that, in an effort to improve accessibility to healthcare, the hospital and its annexes across the state have been offering free health services to individuals with various health concerns.
“The kind of healthcare services you get here in AMSH is at par with what you will get overseas,” he said. “The challenges we face here are numerous. Though, we understand that there is nobody who embarks on a good project that will not face challenges.”
The CMD added, “When we have a functional airport, that can be taken care of, but as of today, we are still faced with a challenge that we don’t have a functional airport. Rather, people have to rely on the nearest airport, which is in Akure, and then face the security challenge that is on the road.”
Despite these challenges, Dr Ogundipe highlighted that the hospital continues to receive patients from across the world, particularly from the UK and Canada.
“What has happened to the Health Insurance, and has the government been able to provide health insurance for all the populace?” he asked. “We hope that we can also rise together and resolve these challenges.”