Wellington Hospital CEO Charles Ugwuanyi urges government to improve electricity, expand health insurance and support specialist facilities as the hospital marks 15 years of neurological and neurosurgical services.
By Wapcodehub9ja LIVE News Desk
Nigeria spends an estimated $2 billion annually on medical tourism, according to Dr Charles Ugwuanyi, Chief Executive Officer of Wellington Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in Abuja, who has called for greater investment in specialised healthcare services to reduce the country’s dependence on treatment abroad.
Ugwuanyi made the statement on Monday, October 19, 2026, during a news conference in Abuja to mark the hospital’s 15 years of providing neurological and neurosurgical services.
He said the continued outflow of foreign exchange for overseas medical treatment highlighted the need to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to deliver advanced healthcare locally. He urged the Federal Government to create a more supportive environment for private specialist hospitals and improve access to complex medical procedures.
According to the hospital chief, government incentives for specialist healthcare providers, reliable electricity and broader health insurance coverage could help reduce the financial pressure on patients and encourage more Nigerians to seek treatment within the country.
He also emphasised the importance of retaining experienced medical professionals, providing continuous specialist training and improving public confidence in local hospitals.
Ugwuanyi said sustained investment in modern medical equipment, specialist expertise and dependable power supply was essential for hospitals handling complex neurological and surgical cases. He added that public education could help Nigerians better understand the quality of treatment available locally.
Hospital reports 9,457 patients treated
As part of its anniversary review, Wellington Hospital reported that it had attended to 9,457 patients and performed 4,657 operations over the past 15 years.
The procedures included 2,150 brain operations, alongside spinal and peripheral nerve surgeries. The hospital said its services cover conditions affecting the brain, spine and peripheral nerves.
Its facilities include advanced diagnostic equipment, six operating suites, intensive care facilities and seven dialysis machines. The hospital has also adopted solar power to support electricity supply for specialised equipment and reduce the operational costs associated with power interruptions.
The figures provide an indication of the specialist services the institution says it has delivered since its establishment. However, expanding such services nationwide would require broader investment in infrastructure, trained personnel, equipment maintenance and affordable financing for patients.
Healthcare funding and access remain key challenges
Medical tourism involves travelling outside one’s country to obtain medical treatment. Nigerians seeking overseas care may face substantial expenses covering treatment, travel, accommodation and follow-up consultations.
Ugwuanyi’s recommendations place the emphasis on improving the availability and affordability of advanced treatment at home. Expanding insurance coverage to include expensive procedures could help reduce the amount patients must pay directly, while reliable electricity would support the operation of critical medical equipment.
The $2 billion figure cited by Ugwuanyi is an estimate attributed to the hospital CEO. Nevertheless, his remarks add to continuing calls from healthcare professionals for sustained investment in specialist facilities and improved conditions for medical workers.
The challenge for policymakers is to ensure that advanced treatment becomes more accessible to ordinary Nigerians, not only those who can afford private healthcare or overseas medical bills.
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