In a bid to reduce medical tourism and provide world-class healthcare services within Nigeria, the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) has unveiled its Premium Medical Facility. The state-of-the-art hospital, established through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with Patricare, aims to offer specialized healthcare services comparable to those available abroad.
During the unveiling ceremony held on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of UPTH, Professor Henry Ugboma, emphasized that the new facility is designed to provide top-tier medical services, eliminating the need for Nigerians to seek treatment overseas.
“The problem associated with moving patients abroad for medical care is a major issue. So, we took it upon ourselves, consulted with the board, and mapped out projects that would benefit our people. This premium facility is one of such initiatives, and we are proud to have achieved it,” Ugboma stated.
He further highlighted the cost-effectiveness of the new hospital, noting that the expenses of traveling abroad for medical treatment—such as flight tickets, accommodation, and associated risks—are now unnecessary.
“We have everything here—specialists, advanced equipment, and well-trained personnel. This facility will operate side-by-side with the existing teaching hospital, and the difference in cost will ensure that healthcare remains accessible to all,” Ugboma added.
The hospital’s development was made possible through collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other stakeholders, including Patricare. Ugboma praised Patricare’s Managing Director, Dr. Teinye Isokariari, for his contributions to the realization of the project.
A Commitment to Excellence
Dr. Isokariari, while addressing attendees, expressed his enthusiasm for giving back to his alma mater and improving healthcare services in the region. He stressed that the vision behind UPTH Premium is to create a healthcare system that matches international standards while leveraging the expertise already available in Nigeria.
“I trained here, did my housemanship here, and I am proud to be part of this initiative. The goal is to ensure that Nigerians no longer feel the need to travel abroad for quality medical services when they can receive the same here at UPTH Premium,” Isokariari said.
He detailed the facility’s features, which include a 70-bed space, four surgical theaters, an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Special Care Units, a dialysis center, and advanced diagnostic services. He assured that the hospital would prioritize patient satisfaction over financial gains.
A New Era in Nigerian Healthcare
In a goodwill message, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Professor Owunari Georgewill, likened the new facility to the different classes of air travel, emphasizing that patients now have access to premium healthcare without leaving the country.
“The impression is that most of us fly, right? There’s first class, business class, premium economy, and so on. That’s exactly what UPTH has done. Now, whether you want first-class medical care or economy, you can get it here,” Georgewill explained.
He stressed that the difference between healthcare abroad and in Nigeria is often not about expertise but about available facilities.
“When you go abroad, you find Nigerian doctors treating you. The difference is that they have the facilities to work with. Now, UPTH Premium has provided those same facilities here. Our doctors can now deliver the best results without improvisation,” he added.
Representing the Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, Mr. Ojum Sylvanus, the Director of Emergency Medical Services, commended UPTH for the initiative and assured the hospital of the state government’s support.
“This is a great feat. It is a win-win for both Rivers State and UPTH. A lot of money is spent abroad on medical tourism, but now, we have a facility that offers the same quality of care at a lower cost. The government is committed to supporting this project, and we encourage other hospitals to emulate this model,” Sylvanus said.
He further stated that the Rivers State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance Systems (RSEMSAS) would be available to transport patients to the hospital at no cost, ensuring accessibility for all.
The newly launched hospital provides a wide range of specialized medical services, including: Gynecology, Dentistry, General Surgery, Orthopedics, Pediatrics, Dialysis, Cardiology, Neurology, Endoscopy, Radiology, Laboratory Services, Dermatology
The unveiling ceremony concluded with the ribbon-cutting by the Special Guest of Honour and former Chairman of the UPTH Board, Mukta Anka-Ahmed, signifying the official launch of the UPTH Premium Medical Facility.
With this development, the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital has positioned itself as a leading medical institution in Nigeria, ensuring that citizens no longer have to seek specialized healthcare abroad. The message is clear: “What you are looking for in London is now in Port Harcourt.” Uniport VC stated.
