Kuyoro: Our Focus is to Reduce Medical Tourism in Nigeria

Dr. Ayobami Kuyoro is the Managing Director of Iwosan Lagoon Hospital in the Victoria Island area of Lagos State. She is an experienced General Practitioner and seasoned healthcare management professional. In this interview with Rebecca Ejifoma, Kuyoro discussed the launch of the state-of-the-art facility, its offerings and outlook

Iwosan Lagoon Hospitals just launched a new state-of-the-art facility, can you tell us more about this?

Yes, our newly launched multispecialty facility at Ligali Ayorinde, Victoria Island Lagos represents a significant milestone in advancing health care. As a centre of excellence for Cardiology and Cardiac surgery, we have integrated cutting-edge technology, top-tier medical expertise, and a patient-centred approach to elevate the standard of cardiovascular healthcare in Nigeria.  We have implemented innovative approaches to enhance the overall patient experience including streamlined processes, comfortable and luxurious recovery spaces, and dedicated support services. We aim to mark a significant stride not only towards treating Cardiac and other related conditions but also to foster a culture of heart health. We are dedicated to being a beacon of excellence in the healthcare space, and to continually push the boundaries of what is possible in-patient care.

 What are the key services and unique offerings offered in the new facility?

Our key services revolve around our designation as a center of excellence for Cardiology which includes Outpatient Cardiology (Adult and Pediatric), Heart Health packages, Non-invasive Cardiology, Interventional Cardiology, and Cardiac Surgery (Adult and Pediatric). However, we offer a full range of services including Internal medicine, Radiology and Interventional Radiology services, Nephrology, Pediatrics (General and Cardiology), General Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Critical care, Emergency care, Gastroenterology, Orthopedics, Urology, preventive care through our outreach programs, educational initiatives and regular screening, and Advanced diagnostics (MRI, Laboratory, X-ray, and Ultrasound).

What are some of the advanced expertise and innovative technologies that are available at the hospital?

One of our most unique and advanced services will be the use of a Catheterisation Laboratory (Cath Lab) equipped with advanced imaging systems and interventional tools. This allows our expert team, led by a World-renowned Interventional Cardiologist, to diagnose, and perform intricate cardiac procedures with precision and minimal Invasion. We also have an on-site Non-invasive Cardiovascular laboratory that employs the latest diagnostic tools to assess heart health without invasive procedures. Additionally, we have invested in the latest MRI technology, which provides crucial insights for accurate diagnoses and personalised treatment plans. Our commitment to staying at the forefront of Cardiovascular medicine is exemplified by the integration of these advanced machines ensuring that our patients receive the highest standard of care.

Dr. Chinonso Egemba popularly known as Aproko Doctor, had his brain surgery at Iwosan Lagoon Hospitals. What surgical operations will be carried out at Iwosan Lagoon Hospitals, VI?

At Iwosan Lagoon Hospitals, VI, we have a state-of-the-art fully equipped theatre where our highly specialised team of cardiac surgeons combines expertise with advanced surgical techniques to provide comprehensive care for a range of cardiac conditions. We would specialise in a spectrum of advanced cardiac surgical procedures including coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), valve repairs and replacements, permanent pacemaker insertions, and cardiac defect repairs. We equally offer minimally invasive cardiac surgeries whenever possible and also offer general surgery and orthopaedics services.

Report shows that Nigeria’s healthcare is ready for a leap in innovation development. Can you tell us how Iwosan Lagoon Hospitals will continue to innovate and stay ahead of the curve?

Innovation is quite important to us, so much so that it is part of our core values. It is at the heart of our strategy to stay ahead in the evolving healthcare landscape in Nigeria. We plan to achieve this through investment in advanced technologies, research, collaboration and development, continuous training, education, and community engagement. We are also very passionate about our patient-centred approach to care, implementing feedback mechanisms, and leveraging patient data to tailor our services. Making sure our healthcare delivery aligns with evolving patient needs and expectations.

 Technology is a huge contributing factor in the healthcare industry, how is the hospital using technology to improve the patient experience?

We understand the importance of technology in the healthcare industry and have been able to leverage cutting-edge technology to enhance the overall patient experience by deploying advanced telemedicine services; we offer virtual consultations and follow-ups to provide convenient access to healthcare. Health records are also managed digitally to ensure quick and accurate access to medical histories, which allows for more personalised and efficient care. We have also implemented enhanced and secure messaging systems to facilitate seamless communication with our patients, addressing queries and concerns promptly.

Report shows that healthcare in Nigeria is growing tremendously. Can you tell us how Iwosan Lagoon hospitals will be supporting this growth and the changing needs of healthcare delivery in the country?

Iwosan Lagoon Hospitals is committed to actively supporting and adapting to these changes. We would continue to invest in infrastructure and resources to expand our capacity, ensuring that we can accommodate the increasing demand for healthcare services. Another priority for us is the recruitment of top talent to meet the growing needs for specialised care, maintaining a strong capable team. Another way we aim to support the ever-changing needs of healthcare delivery in Nigeria is by continuously integrating the latest medical technologies to enhance diagnostic capabilities, treatment options, and overall healthcare delivery.

We are also very open to collaborations and partnerships with other healthcare institutions, research organisations, and government parastatals to collectively address the evolving needs of the healthcare landscape in Nigeria.

Iwosan Lagoon Hospitals recently announced its accreditation for the commencement of housemanship training, can you tell us more about this?

We recently opened our doors to House officers for housemanship training. We prioritise hands-on learning experience, so house officers have the unique opportunity to work closely with a diverse range of highly experienced consultants across various specialities. This one-on-one interaction ensures a rich learning environment where they can gain valuable insights and skills directly from experts in the field. They are also exposed to the cutting-edge technology that Iwosan Lagoon Hospitals offers. In addition to this immersive learning experience, we are committed to providing a supportive environment for our house officers. Accommodation is arranged to ensure a comfortable living space and transportation coverage is provided to facilitate their daily commute. This holistic approach aims to ease challenges that may arise during the training period, allowing our house officers to focus on their professional growth.

What is your strategic outlook for Iwosan Lagoon Hospitals and the health sector in Nigeria?

For us at Iwosan Lagoon Hospitals, our strategic outlook is centred on excellence, accessibility to healthcare, innovation, and collaboration to play a vital role in shaping a healthier future for the people of Nigeria. The key elements of our strategy include specialised centres of excellence, to provide world-class expertise and attract patients from around the world seeking advanced medical care, thereby reducing medical tourism outside the country. Technology integration is also at the forefront of our strategy, ensuring that our hospital remains at the forefront of medical innovation. We have also identified the need to actively engage in community health initiatives, preventive programmes, and educational campaigns to address public health challenges and promote a culture of health.