By Chioma Obinna

The Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH on Thursday unveiled a new private outpatient initiative aimed at providing high-quality, consultant-led healthcare services to Nigerians, offering expedited care within a public hospital setting that rivals private facilities.

Speaking at the launch, Chief Medical Director, Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo, emphasized that the move addresses the growing demand for premium care without forcing patients to seek treatment abroad.

“In the last month, we’ve seen patients willing to sell their homes just to get treatment. At LUTH, we provide specialized services here at home. The cancer centre, for instance, is the best in West Africa. People no longer need to travel abroad for quality care,” Adeyemo said.

He stressed that the initiative is both public and private in nature. “LUTH is a government-funded hospital for all Nigerians, but we realized some citizens need premium care. If we don’t provide it, they go to private hospitals or abroad. We now offer a facility where they can pay for expedited access while still receiving treatment in a teaching hospital with top specialists.”

Adeyemo praised the support from government authorities in funding the renovation and expansion. “We are grateful to the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Health, and the Minister of State for Health. Their support allowed us to upgrade facilities, improve infrastructure, and ensure that Nigerians have access to world-class healthcare at home.”

Commissioning the facility, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Folashade Ogunsola, highlighted the broader significance of the project.

She said: “A certain section of our country has boycotted the public sector because of long queues and lack of ambience. This initiative ensures they get quality care in good time and confidentiality. You can gather 20 specialists in one place in 20 minutes, something you cannot get anywhere else in Nigeria.”

Ogunsola also highlighted the potential impact on reducing medical migration. “Many doctors leave Nigeria because of poor remuneration and limited opportunities to apply their skills. With initiatives like this, we provide both better pay and a platform to showcase expertise. This is how we can start reversing the trend of JAPA,” she said, referring to the exodus of medical professionals.
She explained that the LUTH premium services initiative is expected to set a new benchmark for quality healthcare in Nigeria, combining the expertise of teaching hospitals with the efficiency and comfort of private care.

Giving insight into their services, the consultant in charge of the E-7 facility, Dr. Adebowale Adewunmi, explained the operational structure of the facility.

“We now have 12 fully equipped consulting rooms, an electronic medical record system, and on-site minor procedure capabilities. Patients can get diagnostics and treatment in one place without moving around,” he said.

Adewunmi added that services are appointment-based, consultant-led, and comprehensive, covering general outpatient care, chronic disease management, and specialized interventions. “This is a true private arrangement within a public hospital for those who can pay for faster, premium access. It allows us to improve patient care while maintaining quality across the hospital.”