The National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos (NOHIL) has significantly reduced Nigeria’s outbound medical tourism for orthopaedic and trauma care over its 80-year history, according to Dr. Wakeel Olaide Lawal, the Medical Director. Lawal highlighted the institution’s achievements in specialised healthcare delivery, manpower development, and medical training during a press conference in Lagos, held in anticipation of the hospital’s 80th anniversary celebration.

Established in 1945 as a rehabilitation centre for injured soldiers during the Second World War, NOHIL has since developed into a leading orthopaedic and trauma centre within Nigeria and the wider West African sub-region.

Specialised Services and Outcomes

NOHIL has introduced a range of specialised services, enabling the hospital to manage complex procedures that previously necessitated treatment abroad. These services include:

  • Joint replacement surgeries
  • Minimally invasive spine surgeries
  • Deformity corrections
  • Orthopaedic oncology
  • Arthroscopy
  • Sports medicine
  • Plastic and reconstructive surgery

According to Dr. Lawal, “Ten to fifteen years ago, most joint replacement surgeries, deformity corrections and complex trauma cases were taken abroad. Today, we can confidently manage such procedures in Nigeria with excellent outcomes.” He described NOHIL as a national referral centre.

Manpower Development

NOHIL plays a central role in training orthopaedic surgeons and allied healthcare professionals. The hospital has established subspecialty training programmes, collaborating with international partners to ensure Nigerian surgeons acquire skills meeting global standards. More than 70 per cent of orthopaedic surgeons practising in Nigeria received training at NOHIL.

The institution also contributes to healthcare manpower development through its College of Nursing Sciences and the Federal College of Orthopaedic Technology. The nursing college is projected to graduate nearly 100 students next year. The orthopaedic technology college trains students in prosthetics, orthotics, and orthopaedic cast technology, with NOHIL being a major facility in the country for fabricating these supportive devices for patients with limb challenges.

Operational Challenges and Expansion

Beyond patient care, NOHIL engages in medical outreaches, offers free surgeries for indigent patients, and conducts public health awareness campaigns. To address overcrowding and long waiting times, the hospital has implemented appointment booking systems.

Despite these advancements, NOHIL faces ongoing challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, funding limitations, and a shortage of healthcare workers. Dr. Lawal noted that the hospital spends between N50 million and N60 million monthly on electricity and struggles with equipment maintenance and facility upgrades.

To meet increasing patient demands, NOHIL is expanding its accident and emergency complex, rehabilitation centre, and outpatient department. Dr. Lawal appealed for support from government, philanthropists, and corporate organisations to help the institution sustain its progress and achieve its vision of becoming a globally competitive orthopaedic centre. He acknowledged past support through donations of wards, staff quarters, and patient hostels.

80th Anniversary Celebrations

Activities for NOHIL’s 80th anniversary celebration include thanksgiving services, awareness walks, novelty matches, community medical outreach, and anniversary lectures. The main anniversary event is scheduled for May 24. Former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola, is expected to speak, and the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Adekunle Salako, will attend as guest of honour.

Dr. Francis Nwachukwu, Head of Clinical Services at NOHIL, confirmed that the anniversary outreach will offer free screenings for malaria, diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol to the public. Orthopaedic consultations and referrals will also be provided during this programme.

Why this matters

NOHIL’s 80-year history and its focus on advanced orthopaedic and trauma care highlight Nigeria’s sustained efforts to build domestic medical capacity. This development directly addresses the long-standing issue of outbound medical tourism for specialised treatments, aiming to retain patients within the country and and serve the wider West African sub-region.

The news signal for this article was referred from: https://thenationonlineng.net/nohil-celebrates-80-years-of-reducing-medical-tourism-advancing-orthopaedic-care/