Health

Goodbye to Foreign Medical Tourism

….As NUC Approves Africa’s State-Of-The-Art Medical College – King David University Of Medical Sciences In Ebonyi State

Published

5 years ago

July 13, 2021

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Nigeria may soon be saving billions of dollars annually from foreign health tourism which has almost become a norm among the elites who would hurriedly catch the next flight abroad, at the slightest manifestation of the commonest of ailments.

Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress and erstwhile National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New People’s Democratic Party, (nPDP), Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze said with the National Universities Commission NUC accreditation of the 197th University, adjudged by analysts to be the blue chip in serenity amongst other institutions, situated in Uburu, Ebonyi State and built by the adminstration of Engr. David Nweze Umahi, Chairman, South/East Governors Forum and Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, Nigeria is gradually turning into an emerging hub for medical health tourism.

Marked for official takeoff, September, 2021, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze who toured the new ivory tower on his first day of projects monitoring in Ebonyi State on an official invitation by the workaholic and enigmatic Commissioner of Information, Barr. Uchendu Orji, to assess the wind of magical feats achieved by Governor Umahi this past six years as the Governor of the State, said the king David Medical University, is built to taste and is simply the best of its kind in all respects in the entire African region.

In his first treatise on the project which he titled, “Umahi Set to End Foreign Health Tourism, Redoubles Efforts to Unveil World Class Medical Centre as Eze Embarks On Seven Days Projects Tour of Gale of Projects in Ebonyi State (PART ONE)”, exposed to the world the vision of Governor Umahi to end foreign Health Tourism by initiating a world class Medical Centre with 24 hours power supply generated from solar, generator and national grid. “the Medical College after completion, will have centres of excellence in cancer management, kidney transplant with dialysis centre, liver transplant, and other diseases. It will have the latest diagnostic equipment that can be rated amongst the best anywhere in the world. The technology to be employed is equally second to none.

The centre will be manned by the best hands anywhere in the world and the structures are classical”. The diagnostic equipment are coming directly from the manufacturers and almost all of them are ready. It’s going to be a centre of medical tourism, he emphasised.

With the approval by the National Universities Commission and appointment of an erudite, outstanding Scholar and seasoned Administrator, Professor Chigozie Jesse Uneke, as the Acting Vice Chancellor of the University, history can be said to have been made in the annals of provision of qualitative health care in Africa.

The smooth take off and effective management of King David Medical Science University, Uburu, Ohaozara LGA, by His Excellency, the Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. Chief David Nweze Umahi, FNSE, FNATE, it can be concluded that Nigerians will soon have the best Medical Centre in Africa.

Designed as an ultra-modern 21st century state-of-the-art International Medical University, Chief Eze said the King David University of Medical Sciences is masterfully crafted for specialized manpower development in the most serene environment in virtually all branches of medical specialties and will hinge on the highest form of professionalism in the field of medicine and related fields while consistently aligning with the norms and guidelines of the Nigerian National Health Policy (NHP) and Strategy which is chiefly aimed at achieving quality health for Nigerians.

The urgency of the need to address the dearth of human resources for health care services in line with the realities of the time and being in relative position with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as pertains to health, must have informed the decision of Umahi to embark on this project.

With a vision “to achieve the highest form of quality manpower development for healthcare and other service delivery for all persons irrespective of gender, race, religion, and socio-economic status” the University has its mission statement thus:

“the mission of the University is to serve mankind with the highest form of professionalism, ethics and excellence by training highly qualified health professionals who will work to improve health conditions, alleviate sickness, suffering and pain through the provision of high quality, efficient, cost-effective and integrated healthcare with compassion and treatment.”

The University, a brainchild of Gov. Dave Umahi, is a creation of the law of Ebonyi State, duly passed by the State House of Assembly and accented to by the Governor and thus enjoys the status of public institution for the provision and advancement of health care services in Nigerian and around Africa.

Courses accredited to be offered at the University include; Medicine & Surgery, Nursing, Medical Laboratory Science, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Health Policy & Health Systems, Hospital Administration, Dentistry, Optometry, Human Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology/Parasitology, Biomedical Engineering, Public Health, Human Nutrition/Dietetics, Radiography/Radiation Sciences, Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine. Others are-Industrial Physics/Astronomy, Industrial Mathematics/Statistics, Industrial Chemistry, Applied Biology/Biotechnology and Computer Science.

The University Teaching Hospital has among others, the following units:-Maternal & Child Care Centre which will undertake all aspects of maternal and child health care including women health, pregnancy, nursing mothers, children healthcare etc; Cancer Treatment/Oncology Centre, to undertake all aspects of cancer/oncology treatments; Eye Care Centre, to tackle all aspects of eye care in all specialties; Dialysis Centre, that will focus on renal management and treatment including dialysis;

Laboratory Unit: This unit will cover the four key areas of laboratory services including medical microbiology, haematology/immunology, chemical pathology and histopathology; Radiology Unit to handle radiology services; Operating Theatres & Suits, for all aspects of surgical services; Kidney & Liver Transplantation Unit,for kidney and liver transplantation and care.

Others are:- Dialyzer Production Plant: For the production of dialyzers and other consumables used for dialysis centre; Oxygen Production Plant, Virology & Quarantine unit, Dental Services Unit, Pharmacy Unit, Accident & Emergency Unit, Physiotherapy Unit, Health Information Management Equipment & Systems Unit, Mortuary Unit with a chapel for funeral services, Central Sterilizing Supply Department (CSSD),Workshop/Maintenance Unit, environment, Catering/Kitchen Unit, Waste Management Unit and an Administration Unit.

Commending Gov. Umahi for giving a thought to the development of public health institution and addressing the menace of medical tourism and overseas studies, Chief Eze appealed to medical tourists within and outside Nigeria to take advantage of the ultra-modern facilities and expertise domiciled in the hospital for sound and efficient diagnosis and treatment of sophisticated health challenges.

The party Chief called on those nursing a future in the medical line to think the way of King David University of Medical Sciences for training and experience, stressing that the institution addresses the dearth of a modern curriculum, professional training, research and development and hands-on-equipment in some Nigerian higher institutions.

Related Topics:NUC Approves Africa's State-Of-The-Art Medical College

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Health

PPC Limited Calls for Greater Emphasis on Quality Medical Equipment

Published

6 months ago

October 22, 2025

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In response to the Federal Government’s renewed focus on eliminating substandard medical equipment from Nigerian hospitals, PPC Limited has reiterated the importance of strengthening quality assurance in the country’s healthcare sector

According to Dr. Emmanuel Iyere, Head of Diagnostics Services at PPC Limited, the widespread use of unreliable or poorly maintained medical devices undermines clinical outcomes and puts patients at risk. Addressing this challenge requires greater accountability in procurement, closer monitoring of equipment standards, and a stronger focus on sustainable investments in trusted technologies.

“Healthcare professionals can not deliver optimal care without dependable tools. When equipment fails, it places unnecessary strain on caregivers and can compromise patient safety. Nigeria’s hospitals must be supported with reliable systems that meet international standards,” Dr. Iyere stated.Stakeholders need to be at the forefront of strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare ecosystem through innovative Public-Private partnerships (PPPs). We have achieved notable collaborations, including the provision of diagnostic imaging solutions for tertiary hospitals and the supply and maintenance of laboratory equipment in partnership with state governments. These PPPs demonstrate how combining government support with private-sector expertise can deliver sustainable, high-quality healthcare services.”He further emphasized that by aligning procurement with global best practices and prioritizing quality over short-term cost savings, the healthcare system can better protect patients, reduce waste, and strengthen trust in medical services.

Health

Why Nigeria Needs AEDs in Every Public Space and Trained Personnel to Use Them

Published

8 months ago

August 6, 2025

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In Nigeria today, sudden cardiac emergencies, including heart attacks and cardiac arrest, are no longer rare occurrences. According to SOS Emergency Response Technologies, hypertension affects over 40% of the adult population, and with cardiovascular diseases becoming increasingly prevalent, the need for immediate lifesaving interventions is higher than ever.Heart-Related Illness: A Growing National ConcernHeart-related illnesses have become a major national concern in Nigeria. According to the Nigerian Hypertension Society and Nigerian Heart Foundation, approximately 76 million Nigerians live with high blood pressure, and only a small fraction have their condition under control. Sudden cardiac events, often tied to unmanaged hypertension, are striking people in their prime, sometimes within minutes.Hypertension affects approximately 38–42% of adult Nigerians, with only about 7% achieving effective blood pressure control, according to reports by The Guardian.The Nigerian Cardiac Society also notes that heart disease claims over 20 million lives globally each year, most of them in low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria. These realities are compounded by reports of individuals collapsing from unexpected heart attacks, often attributed to undiagnosed hypertension or heart disease.These figures highlight a major public health challenge: sudden cardiac arrest and heart disease are claiming thousands of lives, many of which could be prevented with timely detection and early intervention.The PPC Healthcare Solution: AEDsAutomated External Defibrillators (AEDs) play a critical role in saving lives during sudden cardiac events. When used in combination with basic CPR, AEDs can triple the chances of survival. Time is critical: survival declines by 10% with every minute without defibrillation. When CPR is used together with an AED, survival chances can triple—even if medical services are still en route (CESAHA.org). Unfortunately, in Nigeria, AEDs are rarely found in public settings.According to guidelines from the Nigerian Cardiac Society, AEDs should be made available in high-traffic, high-risk locations such as airports, shopping malls, markets, schools, universities, event centres, hospitals, clinics, security posts, banks, workplaces, and high-rise buildings.However, simply having AEDs is not enough. Trained staff, such as security officers, receptionists, and event personnel, must be certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) and AED use. According to national standards, each facility installing an AED should train at least 10 personnel to ensure the device is used effectively in emergencies.Every minute without defibrillation reduces a cardiac arrest victim’s survival odds by 7–10%. Keeping AEDs accessible and training people to use them can make the difference between life and death (SOS Emergency Response Technologies).At PPC Limited, we advocate for legislation and policies mandating AED presence in vulnerable public spaces. Businesses, event locations, schools, and transit hubs are encouraged to install AEDs. We also provide not only the deployment of AEDs but also CPR and AED training programs for frontline staff and security personnel.At PPC Healthcare, we believe saving lives is everyone’s responsibility. The integration of AEDs and training programs into Nigeria’s public infrastructure is not just smart, it’s urgent. For more information, visit www.ppcng.com

Health

Inside Afrihealth Expo 2025: Key Highlights and Why You Shouldn’t Miss It

Published

10 months ago

June 17, 2025

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Africa’s largest convergence of healthcare professionals, innovators, and solution providers has landed in Lagos, and it’s already shaping up to be a game-changer. From the 18 to 20 June, all roads will lead to the Welcome Centre Hotel, Airport Road, Lagos as Afrihealth Expo 2025 brings together stakeholders from across the continent to discuss, showcase, and collaborate on sustainable healthcare innovations that will drive the future of medical care in Africa.

From high-level panel discussions to product unveilings and strategic partnerships, here are some of the key highlights of this year’s event and why it matters more than ever to be part of the conversation.

A Hub of Innovation and Technology

One of the biggest draws of Afrihealth Expo 2025 is its display of cutting-edge health technologies. From AI-powered diagnostics to portable imaging devices and smart hospital infrastructure, the exhibition halls are packed with next-generation solutions that are redefining access, quality, and efficiency in healthcare delivery.

PPC Healthcare Division, in collaboration with its global OEM partners including Vinno, Comen, Neusoft, and Cardioline, are among the standout exhibitors. With live demonstrations of advanced ultrasound systems and discussions around the integration of technology in maternal and neonatal care, PPC Healthcare is making a strong case for diagnostics as a critical driver of healthcare equity.

Conversations that Drive Policy and Practice

The event also plays host to keynotes and roundtable sessions led by policymakers, medical experts, and industry leaders. Topics such as universal health coverage, local manufacturing, health financing, and workforce development are being explored with urgency and depth, reflecting the need for holistic approaches to Africa’s healthcare challenges.

According to Dr. Chukwunonso Izechukwu, Assistant General Manager of PPC Healthcare, “Events like Afrihealth are vital, not just for showcasing technology, but for shaping the policy and collaboration frameworks that ensure innovation reaches the last mile. The conversations we’re having here are laying the foundation for a more resilient and inclusive healthcare system.”

Networking that Translates to Impact

Beyond the sessions and booths, Afrihealth Expo is a space for meaningful connection. From cross-border partnerships to public-private collaborations, the event is a fertile ground for building relationships that turn ideas into impact.

Healthcare providers, investors, engineers, and government bodies are coming together in real time to exchange insights, forge alliances, and design solutions with the power to transform communities.

Why You Should Be at Afrihealth Expo

Whether you’re a healthcare practitioner, a policymaker, a tech innovator, or a student with a passion for public health, Afrihealth Expo 2025 is the place to be. It’s not just about seeing what’s new, it’s about being part of what’s next.

By attending, you gain access to first-hand exposure to breakthrough technologies, expert knowledge from across the continent, new opportunities for partnership and growth and a deeper understanding of the issues shaping Africa’s health future

PPC Limited, through its healthcare division, is proud to be part of this transformative event, contributing solutions, facilitating dialogue, and advocating for healthcare systems that leave no one behind

Visit the PPC Healthcare booth at Afrihealth Expo 2025 from 9.00am to 4.00pm on 18 to 20 June and be part of the movement to reimagine Africa’s healthcare story.