The Chief Medical Director of Afe Babalola University Multi-System Hospital (AMSH) in Ado Ekiti, Dr. Kolawole Ogundipe, has urged the Federal Government to remove taxes on imported medical equipment to enhance healthcare delivery quality. Ogundipe emphasized that such exemptions would assist hospitals in procuring necessary equipment at affordable rates. He made these remarks during a press conference marking the 6th anniversary of the hospital over the weekend.

Ogundipe highlighted that the 400-bed ultra-modern hospital, built by Aare Afe Babalola, was commissioned in October 2017 and commenced clinical services in March 2018. He lamented the challenges associated with taxes when procuring medical equipment, advocating for tax exemptions to reduce procurement costs.

  In addressing medical tourism, Ogundipe noted that several prominent individuals have received treatment at the hospital and testified to the quality of care received. He emphasized Nigeria’s potential to reduce medical tourism by utilizing existing infrastructure and equipment within the country. Ogundipe also underscored the hospital’s skilled professionals and state-of-the-art equipment, citing significant growth in the Dialysis Centre and successful renal transplants.

ABUAD’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, expressed her preference for undergoing comprehensive medical checkups at the hospital. She commended the Cardiac Unit’s success rate in procedures and lauded the hospital’s quality services, advanced equipment, and skilled personnel.