By Tina Amanda
The University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), in collaboration with Patricare Health Services, has unveiled UPTH Premium a state-of-the-art medical facility aimed at addressing medical tourism challenges and improving healthcare access in Rivers State and beyond.
The facility, launched on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, is equipped with world-class medical technology and infrastructure to provide specialized care at par with international standards.
Speaking at the unveiling, UPTH’s Chief Medical Director, Professor Henry Ugboma, emphasized the facility’s role in reducing the economic and logistical burdens of medical tourism.
“Medical tourism has had a negative impact on our economy. The cost and risks involved in moving patients abroad are a concern. We envisioned this project to provide affordable and high-quality healthcare services locally.
“Today, we are proud to have achieved this milestone.”
According to him, UPTH Premium would serve not only Rivers State but also neighboring states, ensuring access to top-tier medical expertise and equipment.
Prof. Ugboma noted that the initiative was made possible through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), with Patricare Health Services playing a crucial role in providing expertise and operational support.
“We put our heads together, engaged with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and sought partners to develop a five-star hospital. We found Teinye Isokariari, who shared our vision. Now, the world-class healthcare services Nigerians travel abroad for are available here.”
He assured the public that UPTH Premium would offer 24-hour power supply and a highly skilled medical team, that would provide the best reliable healthcare services.
Managing Director of Patricare Health Services, Dr. Teinye Isokariari, explained that UPTH Premium was designed to complement the existing UPTH structure and enhance patient care.
He noted that the UPTH Premium contains of 70 beds, four theatres, intensive care units (ICUs) for both adults and babies, high dependence system, etc.
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“We are trying to create support for the existing system, for instance if there is no electricity supply in UPTH there would be power here. Basically on patient value it’s the same thing, because it’s same treatment you get.
“In premium, there are those that can sponsor people who cannot pay, lot of money is spent outside the shore’s of the county for medical tourism.
“Patients no longer need to travel abroad for treatment. The cost here is significantly lower, with the same high-quality service. We are also open to partnerships that will further improve healthcare accessibility.”
Sylvanus Ojums, Director of Emergency Medical Services, representing the Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Adaeze Oreh, praised the initiative and assured state government support, particularly in emergency response and ambulance services.
“Our goal is to make Rivers State a leading hub for medical tourism. This facility aligns with the state’s commitment to delivering top-notch healthcare.
“Our dear Governor is a health friendly administrator, The State government is happy that even the federal institution is doing it best to make sure generally Rivers State will be one of the Centres for medical tourism.
“There is a gap between patients coming to the hospital from home, that gap is filled by the emergency system that is running. We are doing very well to make sure the gap in all the localities in the State is covered.”
He urged other teaching hospitals in Nigeria to adopt similar models to strengthen the country’s healthcare system.
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Owunari Abraham Georgewill, lauded the project, emphasizing that the facility now provides the advanced medical equipment needed to retain top medical professionals.
“Many Nigerian doctors working abroad left due to a lack of equipment. Now, with UPTH Premium, they can confidently practice here, knowing they have the tools needed to deliver world-class healthcare.
“With the launch of UPTH Premium, Rivers State moves closer to becoming a major center for quality healthcare in Nigeria, reducing dependency on overseas medical treatments and retaining top medical talent.”
