By Echezona Okafor, Nnewi
Saturday, April 19, 2025, was unique in Anambra State, as a team of twelve highly trained specialists and consultants, who are currently practicing medicine at the highest levels at different parts of the world, came together to perform ground breaking for construction of a tetiary hospital that will deliver world class quality and innovative health care.
The hospital, which will house all branches of medicine, is being constructed by GUMEC Nigeria Limited at Ojoto, Idemili South local government area of the state.
The ground breaking ceremony, which attracted dignitaries from all walks of life was witnessed by Governor Charles Soludo, represented by the Commissioner of Health in the state, Dr. Afam Obidike; the traditional ruler of Ojoto, Igwe Gerald Mbamalu; chairman, Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Chidubem Iweka; Chairman of Louis Carter Group, Chief Louis Onwugbenu; the executive director of the South East Development Commission, Silvester Okonkwo; medical doctors and other dignitaries.
Speaking at the occasion, the president of the United Doctors, Prof. Ndubueze Fidelis Okonkwo, said that access to quality and affordable health care cannot be a monopoly of the rich and the famous.
He said, "All men are created equal and deserve access to the best health care possible. We plan to lead global partners to achieve this goal in Africa.
"We plan to deliver and advocate the development of innovative wellness solutions that will improve the lives of individuals and communities. We intend to serve as a resource center that will teach others the rapidly changing evidence based medical care.
"People with wealth often go abroad to seek medical care that will cure or alleviate their sufferings. We're working on changing this phenomenon and making medical tourism a thing of the past for Nigerians.
"We want to convince Nigerians that Nigerians are as good as anyone else in possession of the intelligence required to understand and deliver the best health care. Nigeria lacks in some areas the necessary equipment needed to train our brilliant local providers and the development of sophisticated skills needed to deliver world class medical treatment.
"Nigerian doctors in the diaspora are constantly proving this point by serving at the highest levels in hospitals and medical schools worldwide. There are 26,000 black physicians in the United States, and 77% of them are Nigerians. The irony is not lacking when you notice that Nigerians go to American hospitals for medical treatment only to discover in some cases that their doctors or head doctors are Nigerians.
"We plan to introduce world class transplantation medicine, particularly kidney and pancreas transplant, while adding others with time. Our cancer treatment center is expected to open soon. We want to utilize our values and provide the best care possible that preaches and practices the ever needed good governance, compassion, dignity, integrity, stedwardship, and excellence where the patient is our main focus and center of mission."
While urging partnership to ensure timely completion of the project, he thanked Chief Louis Onwugbenu, chairman of Louis Carter Group, who he said, saw the vision and volunteered to join as a benefactor - pouring his money and time into the project.
Speaking, Sir Louis Onwugbenu, said he has already injected about two billion naira in the project. He said he keyed into the vision of the diaspora physicians because of what such hospital promises to offer Nigerians.
He also informed that when he was very sick and flown abroad because of COVID-19, he promised God that if he survived, he would give his wealth to provide good health care for those that lack the resources to provide it themselves.
Engr. Ifeanyichukwu Godson Ume, chairman of GUMEC Nig. Ltd., the contractor handling the hospital project, said that the hospital will house all departments of medicine; adding that before the end of 2026, it shall have been completed.
HRH Igwe Gerald Mbamalu, traditional ruler of Ojoto, where the hospital is being built, commended the initiative of the twelve medical doctors that came together to build the hospital, which he said, would help reduce medical tourism among the people.