CMD Seeks Tax Exemption on Imported Medical Equipment to Enhance Healthcare Delivery

The Chief Medical Director of Afe Babalola University Multi-System Hospital (AMSH), Dr. Kolawole Ogundipe, has urged the Federal Government to remove tax on the importation of medical equipment.

Speaking at a press conference to mark the 6th anniversary of the hospital, Dr. Ogundipe explained that such an exemption would assist hospitals in procuring needed equipment at affordable rates.

He emphasized that the hospital is committed to addressing medical tourism in the country by providing quality services.

The 400-bed ultra-modern hospital, built by Aare Afe Babalola, the founder of ABUAD, was commissioned in October 2017 and commenced clinical services in March 2018.

The hospital aims to complement the medical training program of the university.

Despite the facility’s success in providing quality healthcare, Dr. Ogundipe lamented the challenges associated with taxes in the procurement of medical equipment.

He said, “We face challenges in procuring most the equipment we have here because we operate in Nigeria system where a lot of taxes are being imposed.”

The CMD suggested that medical equipment should be considered for exemption and allowed to be imported tax-free, which would reduce the cost of procuring the health equipment and make it less burdensome for hospitals to acquire.

On the issue of medical tourism, Dr. Ogundipe noted that a number of high-profile individuals have visited the hospital as patients and have been well-managed, thus testifying to the quality of treatment they received.

He believes that if Nigerians were to look inward and rely on the infrastructure and equipment available in the country, medical tourism could be successfully reversed.

The hospital boasts the best hands and the most modern and sophisticated equipment, making it a top choice in Africa.

The Cardiac Unit has performed over a hundred procedures within five years, while the Dialysis Centre has increased its treatment sessions from an average of 10 per month to over 400 per month.

The hospital has also performed 14 renal transplants since October 2021.

In addition to the positive impact on healthcare delivery, the Vice Chancellor of ABUAD, Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, stated that she undergoes her annual thorough medical checkup at the hospital.

She remarked, “This is part of the testimony of the quality of services offered here. It speaks volumes, as VC, I used to choose foreign medical checkup but now, I don’t even need to go there.

That is a testimony of the quality of services, equipment, and most especially, quality of personnel at the hospital.”