A NEW DAWN IN HEALTHCARE

Redeemer’s Health Village has achieved a groundbreaking medical milestone in Abuja, removing a cancerous kidney tumor remotely from a patient located in Ogun State. This remarkable operation was performed by Professor Obi Davies-Ekwenna, who controlled the procedure via a surgical robot from his location in Mowe, 500 kilometers away. The innovative practice, known as tele-robotic surgery, was carried out in collaboration with RoboMed Global and Nisa Premier Hospital, marking the first of its kind in West Africa.

Dr. Adedamola Dada, the CEO of Redeemer’s Health Village, emphasized the meticulous safeguards put in place, with a medical team physically present at the patient's location to intervene in case of complications. The robotic surgeon, Dr. Ekwenna, expressed confidence in the precision and superior results achievable through tele-robotic surgery. Patient Alexander Idachama, who underwent a robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy, reported reduced pain following the procedure, highlighting the positive outcomes.

The success of this operation underscores the potential of advanced medical technologies to overcome geographical barriers and deliver high-quality healthcare, even in a country plagued by numerous healthcare challenges. Redeemer’s sophisticated landmark stands as a testament to Nigeria's capability to compete globally with the right support and resources.

Over the years, the nation has witnessed numerous medical achievements, such as Africa’s first open-heart surgery at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in 1974, and various other complex medical feats across private and public institutions.

However, the sustainability of such achievements has been hindered by critical issues like inadequate infrastructure, inconsistent power supply, and poor working conditions in many healthcare facilities. The Nigerian health sector frequently operates with severely underfunded budgets, failing to meet the 15% Abuja Declaration target, which has led to a brain drain of medical professionals migrating abroad due to poor working conditions and lack of resources.

This exodus not only deprives the country of skilled healthcare workers but also drives medical tourism, with Nigerians traveling abroad for treatments like cancer, kidney failure, and heart diseases.

In response to these challenges, Redeemer’s Health Village is taking proactive steps by investing in multiple robotic systems and establishing a Robotic Academy to train Nigerian medical professionals. The aim is to reduce the cost of medical tourism by delivering quality services locally, ensuring these advanced procedures become routine rather than isolated incidents.

This strategic investment reflects a growing commitment to bolstering the domestic health ecosystem, attracting patients from abroad due to affordable and high-quality care.