The senior pastor of Graceville Christian Centre, Pastor Olatunde Ayeni, has called on the federal government and key stakeholders to invest significantly in Nigeria’s health sector to curb medical tourism and ensure affordable care.
Speaking to journalists yesterday at the 2025 edition of the church’s free medical outreach, Meet the Doctors, held in Abuja, Ayeni described the country’s health sector as grossly underfunded.
“Our health sector needs billions and billions of investments. If we don’t invest in that, we keep going abroad for treatment. Whether we like it or not, we don’t want to die. If better care is available elsewhere, people will seek it out,” he said.
According to him, the outreach, which has become an annual event, offers hundreds of residents free consultations, medications, and screenings.
This year, Ayeni noted that the event is poised to reach even more people with expanded services.
“It is no secret that our beloved nation, Nigeria, faces multifaceted challenges, especially in healthcare and economic stability.
Preventable diseases often go undiagnosed or untreated due to limited access and rising medical costs.”
Ayeni lamented that many families are forced to choose between their health and other basic needs.
“The high cost of medical consultations, tests, and drugs places a heavy burden on already struggling households,” he said.
Quoting Psalm 82:3-4, Ayeni emphasised the moral and spiritual imperative of caring for the vulnerable.
“Our mandate at Graceville extends beyond spiritual enrichment. We’re committed to the physical, mental, and psychological well-being of all,” he added.
In previous editions, the outreach has catered to over 500 individuals at each event.
According to the organisers, this year’s outreach boasts an expanded team of volunteer medical experts and aims to be the most impactful yet.
On his part, consultant physician and interventional cardiologist, Dr Iseko Iseko, also spoke at the event, stressing the importance of routine health check-ups.
“One in three or four Nigerians currently has high blood pressure, and one in five has diabetes.
“The tragedy is that most people are unaware they have these conditions,” Dr Iseko said.
He warned that such undetected illnesses contribute to the rising rates of stroke, heart disease, and sudden deaths across the country.
“People usually wait for pain before visiting the hospital, but many of these conditions are asymptomatic. That’s why routine check-ups are crucial.”
He urged Nigerians to regularly monitor their blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels and maintain a healthy weight.
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