While many Nigerian doctors are leaving the country to seek for greener pasture abroad, some individuals have taken it upon themselves to reverse the trend. This is the case of Dr. Ogechi Helen Mbakwe, a medical doctor, based in Atlanta Georgia, USA.
In a move to reduce medical tourism and to ameliorate the pains of some patients, she decided to bring in a specialized hospital – Frontline Infusion and Arthritis Medical Facility to the City of Abuja, the Nigerian capital.
In her key note address, during the inauguration of the hospital; Dr. Mbakwe said, the idea of her investing in health sector in Nigeria, came as a result of giving back to Nigeria, the knowledge and expertise especially those of them that have done enough for the other country they reside.
She added that, the idea of establishing a world class health facilities in Nigeria became necessary for her due to lack of adequate healthcare system.
She said, “To me, it doesn’t make any sense that I lost my father and sister for the same sickness, whereas I’m an expert in the United States of America, it made me feel guilty.”
The US based medical expert further said, the infusion and arthritis medical center represents more than “bricks and mortar.” She enumerated countless individuals battling for chronic pains depicting the conditions of arthritis.
“The curtains edge medical technology the hospital has, will help in the reduction and better treatment of arthritis and infusion of blood to inflammatory areas of the body, which is the best form of arthritis treatment; it’s compassionate care for life for those who needed it most,” she added.
Dr. Mbakwe, who doubles as the Medical Director of the Frontline Infusion and Arthritis Medical Center, further explained that infusion is the direct delivery of medication in to blood stream through an IV, and offering a highly method of treatment to patients, who cannot take oral medication or those who oral medication may not be effective. By so doing, giving relief or healing to the patient. “This type of treatment system helps in slowing down the sickness or the disease of arthritis,” said the medical doctor.
The medical expert, therefore, urged Nigerians who fall into this category to utilize the state-of-the arts facilities provided by the hospital.
According her, the hospital is using Abuja as takeoff center, but in due time, the service of the organization will be extended to other parts of the country.
“By opening the Medical Center, we have reduced to certain levels medical tourism abroad. And we have taken bold steps for the future where chronic pains defines your life and major aim goal, where science meets empathy and where every patient heard and cared for, and innovation drives outcome, ” she concluded.
Among the dignitaries that attended the occasion were Mandate Secretary, Health FCT; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation, and many others.
