SUN AUG 23 2026-theGBJournal|The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to advanced healthcare services in Nigeria and reversing the trend of outbound medical tourism, as Redeemer’s Health Village (RHV) launched its robotic surgery programme in Lagos.
Speaking at the launch dinner in Lagos on Saturday, the Minister said robotic surgery aligns with the Federal Government’s health transformation agenda, particularly its focus on improving health outcomes and unlocking the healthcare value chain.
He noted that government recognises the critical role of the private sector, which delivers more than half of healthcare services in the country, and would continue to create an enabling environment for investment in high-end medical services.
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, said the programme represents the kind of private-sector investment and technological advancement needed to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to provide world-class specialised care locally and reduce the need for Nigerians to travel abroad for treatment.
“The best in the world are now converging here, and I urge all of us to patronise when the need arises,” Dr. Salako said, adding that with the new capacity, “a farmer from Ondo, a teacher from Ekiti, a trader from Ogun or any part of Nigeria will no longer need a passport to access world-class surgical intervention.”
Salako said initiatives including the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC) and the Presidential Executive Order on the Health Sector were designed to strengthen domestic capacity, stimulate investment and support a more resilient health system.
The programme is anchored on a partnership between RHV and RoboMed Global Inc. of the United States, a Nigerian diaspora-led enterprise, representing an investment of about $4 million.
The Federal Government noted that the initiative reflects the administration’s policy direction to attract diaspora expertise and capital into the domestic health sector, including through the Diaspora Health Impact Initiative and the Diaspora Advance Health Programme Portal, which provide Nigerian health professionals abroad with a formal route to contribute to the health of the homeland.
Dr. Salako also disclosed that the robotic surgery programme includes a structured training and certification pathway for interested surgeons across the country, describing it as a commendable opportunity to update the clinical skills of Nigerian surgeons in line with emerging medical technology.
He commended the leadership of Redeemer’s Health Village, Dr. Ademola Dada, Professor Ekwenna and all partners involved in establishing the programme, describing the initiative as an example of what can be achieved when investment, innovation and partnership are brought together to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system.
The Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to working with the private sector, diaspora professionals and other partners to build a health system anchored on equity, affordability and the capacity to meet the healthcare needs of Nigerians within the country.
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