Sunday Aborisade in Abuja
The Indian Consulate General to Nigeria, Shri Chandramouli Kern, has expressed his hopes for strengthened bilateral ties between India and Nigeria in the areas of quality healthcare services.
He made the pledge at the launch of StarCare International Hospital, a leading provider of primary and specialty care operations in Ikeja, Lagos State.
Kern affirmed India’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in various endeavours.
He said the unveiling of StarCare in Lagos was marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s healthcare landscape.
The ceremony, according to a statement by the hospital, was attended by Oba Lateef Adams of Ikate Kingdom, Surulere, Lagos and Fayoade Adegoke, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State.
Kern, the Honorary Consul-General of the Consulate General India in Lagos, and Mr. Sanjay Jain, President, ICA, also joined in celebrating the introduction of advanced surgical procedures to the country.
The inauguration, according to the hospital, witnessed over 200 guests from various sectors, offering their heartfelt wishes for the hospital’s success.
In his inaugural address, Dr. Ashraff Mohammad, Chairman and Managing Director of StarCare International Hospital, a USA-trained orthopedic and spine surgeon, pledged to revolutionise Nigeria’s healthcare system.
He outlined plans to introduce advanced medical facilities and cutting-edge technology, alongside a team of internationally trained and experienced doctors from India and Nigeria.
Mohammad highlighted the introduction of groundbreaking surgical procedures such as minimally invasive surgeries, laparoscopic surgeries, laser proctology surgeries and laser spine surgeries.
He also identified endoscopic spine surgeries, cosmetic gynecology surgeries, bariatric (weight loss) surgeries, and arthroscopy (sports medicine) procedures—services which are rarely available in the country.
He emphasized the hospital’s mission to stem the tide of medical tourism from Nigeria by offering world-class healthcare at StarCare International Hospital, comparable to leading destinations like the USA, UK, Dubai and India.
He said: “By elevating the quality of care to international standards, we aim to diminish the need for Nigerians to seek medical treatments abroad in countries like the USA, UK, or India.
“StarCare is set to be a cornerstone in Nigeria’s medical landscape, ensuring that top-tier healthcare is accessible to everyone here at home.”
He further assured Nigerians that senior consultants would be available round-the-clock at the facility to ensure continuous access to expert care.
In their remarks, other dignitaries also lauded the expected positive impacts of the hospital and reiterated support to enhance the India-Nigeria bilateral relations in healthcare.
The Commissioner of Police, Adegoke congratulated the StarCare team and highlighted plans for collaboration between the hospital and Lagos police command in terms of healthcare provision.
Meanwhile, Oba Adams conveyed his best wishes to the hospital and encouraged Nigerians to utilize the facility for top-tier medical services.
Mohammad led a tour of the facility, showcasing its state-of-the-art infrastructure, including the Outpatient Department (OPD) complex, inpatient wards, private rooms, ICU-NICU complex, OT complex, and labour rooms.
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