Nigeria’s robotic surgery program to boost healthcare, curb medical tourism – Minister
By Ojoma Akor
Nigeria’s new robotic surgery program will improve patient outcomes, strengthen specialist surgical care and help reduce outbound medical tourism, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, has said.
He stated this Saturday during the launch of Redeemer’s Health Village’s robotic surgery program in Lagos.
The minister said robotic-assisted surgery offers greater precision, faster recovery, shorter hospital stays and better patient outcomes.
He said the program aligns with the Federal Government’s health sector reform agenda by improving healthcare outcomes and strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare value chain.
“The vision of robotic surgery that is being translated into reality today will no doubt help to save lives and add value to the country,” Salako said.
He commended the leadership of the Redeemed Christian Church of God and Redeemer’s Health Village for investing in advanced healthcare technology, calling the initiative a milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward world-class healthcare services.
The minister also applauded the Chief Executive Officer of Redeemer’s Health Village, Dr. Ademola Dada, and his team for investing in modern infrastructure, technology and human capacity to expand access to specialized healthcare.
According to Salako, the program supports the government’s efforts to reduce the number of Nigerians traveling abroad for complex medical procedures, thereby conserving foreign exchange while positioning the country as a destination for high-quality healthcare.
He said, “It resonates strongly with our vision to reverse the dominant direction of medical tourism from outbound to inbound and save the country scarce foreign exchange.”
Salako said the government recognizes the private sector’s critical role in expanding access to high-end healthcare services and has introduced policies to encourage greater private investment in the sector.
He cited the Presidential Initiative on Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC) and the Presidential Executive Order for the Pharmaceutical and Allied Sectors as key reforms aimed at strengthening local manufacturing, expanding domestic capacity and creating jobs within Nigeria’s healthcare industry.
According to him, the initiatives are designed to improve health security, stimulate economic growth and build a more resilient healthcare system through collaboration between the public and private sectors.
Salako said the robotic surgery program also includes a structured training and certification program for Nigerian surgeons, which will equip them with the skills needed to perform robotic-assisted surgical procedures safely.
He enjoined surgeons across the country to take advantage of the training to update their clinical skills and expand access to advanced surgical care.
The minister said that the initiatives are designed to create formal pathways for Nigerian healthcare professionals in the diaspora to help strengthen the country’s health system, either temporarily or permanently.
He said the availability of robotic surgical services in Nigeria would enable more patients to receive advanced, minimally invasive treatment without traveling overseas.
“With this new addition to robotic surgical care, the capacity to offer advanced, precise, minimally invasive care delivered by Nigerian hands trained to global standards in a Nigerian institution is being enhanced,” he said.
He added that the development means more Nigerians will be able to access world-class surgical care within the country regardless of where they live.
Salako also commended the estimated $4 million investment in the project, describing it as a vote of confidence in Nigeria’s ongoing economic and health sector reforms.
He urged other Nigerians in the diaspora to invest in the country’s healthcare sector, saying such partnerships would create jobs, strengthen healthcare delivery and improve access to quality medical services.
The minister reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for private investment in healthcare as part of efforts to build an equitable, affordable and resilient health system capable of meeting the needs of all Nigerians.