Afe Babalola University Multi-System Hospital (AMSH) in Ado Ekiti, Nigeria, has embarked on a transformative journey towards becoming a leading healthcare provider in the nation and beyond. Driven by a commitment to surgical excellence and comprehensive patient care, AMSH has forged a strategic alliance with Marengo Asia Hospitals, a renowned medical group from India. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in AMSH’s pursuit of providing cutting-edge medical services to Nigerians, reducing the need for patients to seek treatment abroad. The partnership has already yielded impressive results, particularly in the area of kidney transplantation. Since the inception of the collaboration late last year, nine successful kidney transplant procedures have been performed at AMSH, demonstrating the hospital’s growing capacity to handle complex medical interventions.
The success of the kidney transplant program is underpinned by AMSH’s state-of-the-art Renal Centre, equipped with 17 modern dialysis machines, including specialized units for patients with infectious diseases like hepatitis. This comprehensive dialysis program is currently performing an average of 400 treatment sessions every month, establishing AMSH as a vital resource for patients with renal conditions. The collaboration with Marengo Asia Hospitals extends beyond kidney transplantation. Recognizing the potential of AMSH and its commitment to providing specialized care, Marengo has expressed interest in expanding its services to include endourological surgeries and erectile dysfunction interventions. These areas are often overlooked but represent crucial aspects of men’s health and overall well-being. This expansion of services reflects AMSH’s dedication to becoming a comprehensive healthcare center, catering to a wide range of medical needs.
AMSH’s pursuit of medical excellence is not limited to advanced surgical procedures. The hospital is also committed to fulfilling its social responsibility by providing accessible and affordable healthcare to vulnerable populations. The Afe Abiye Programme, a charitable initiative launched late last year, focuses on maternal and child health. This program has already provided free antenatal care to over 500 pregnant women and facilitated more than 150 deliveries at no cost to the patients or their families. This initiative underscores AMSH’s commitment to addressing critical healthcare needs within the community.
The impressive strides made by AMSH in service delivery and global partnerships are unfortunately hampered by significant infrastructural challenges. The poor condition of the access roads leading to the hospital poses a major obstacle for patients, emergency transport, and visiting medical partners. This difficulty in accessing the hospital represents a serious impediment to the timely delivery of healthcare services. In addition, the delayed full operation of the Ekiti Airport project further restricts accessibility and hinders the potential for medical tourism. The airport, once operational, is expected to facilitate faster referrals and attract patients from other regions, further enhancing AMSH’s reach and impact.
The existing infrastructural limitations pose a significant hurdle to AMSH’s continued growth and development. The poor road conditions and the incomplete airport project create barriers that not only affect patient access but also limit the hospital’s ability to attract and retain top medical professionals and collaborators. These challenges underscore the urgent need for government intervention and investment in infrastructure development. Improved access roads and a fully operational airport are essential for AMSH to realize its full potential as a leading healthcare provider in Nigeria. Addressing these infrastructural deficiencies is crucial for ensuring that AMSH can continue to provide quality, timely, and accessible healthcare services to its patients and the wider community.
AMSH is appealing to relevant stakeholders to prioritize the improvement of access routes to the hospital and expedite the full operationalization of the Ekiti Airport. These improvements are not only crucial for AMSH’s continued success but also for the overall development of the healthcare sector in the region. By investing in infrastructure, Ekiti State can create an environment that supports the delivery of quality healthcare services, attracts medical professionals and investments, and ultimately improves the health and well-being of its citizens. AMSH’s journey towards becoming a national and international healthcare destination serves as a testament to its commitment to medical excellence and community service. Overcoming the existing infrastructural challenges will pave the way for AMSH to achieve its full potential and contribute significantly to the advancement of healthcare in Nigeria.
