Afe Babalola University Multi-System Hospital (ABUAD), Ado-Ekiti, has attributed the growing preference for medical treatment abroad to the state’s poor infrastructure, despite its world-class facilities and recent breakthroughs.
Chief Medical Director Dr. Akinola Akinmade stated that the hospital’s efforts are hindered by poor access roads and the delayed commencement of Ekiti Airport operations, which restricts emergency access and discourages visiting medical experts. “Patients and emergency transport face huge challenges due to poor roads. The incomplete airport project, which could make referrals and medical tourism easier, has yet to start fully,” Akinmade said, appealing for urgent government intervention.
The hospital recently partnered with Marengo Asia Hospitals of India to expand specialised surgical care in Nigeria. Since the collaboration began, nine successful kidney transplants have been performed, while its renal centre, equipped with 17 dialysis machines, handles over 400 dialysis sessions per month.
Akinmade revealed plans to expand into advanced endourological and men’s health surgeries, aiming to make ABUAD a global hub for complex treatments. He also highlighted the hospital’s Afe Abiye programme, which has provided free antenatal care to over 500 women and conducted 150 free deliveries since its launch last year.
