AMWE 2026: Clinical Psychologist Akpoko Uloko Abu Calls for Health Sector Revolution, Says Medical Tourism Can Become Africa's Gold Mine

By Genesis Ogiri

ABUJA – Renowned clinical psychologist and Head of Clinical Psychology at New Life Specialist Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre, Abuja, Akpoko Uloko Abu, has called on African governments to embark on a comprehensive revolution in the healthcare sector, saying transformative leadership and deliberate policy reforms are essential to reposition the continent as a global destination for medical wellness and medical tourism.

Speaking during a high-level panel session at the Africa Medical & Wellness Expo 2026, held at the **Nicon Luxury Hotel>, Abu addressed policymakers, healthcare professionals, investors, development partners, and industry stakeholders on the theme, "Environmental Sustainability of Africa's Medical Wellness." He maintained that sustainable healthcare systems can only flourish where governments demonstrate political will through visionary leadership and long-term policy planning.

The clinical psychologist identified infrastructure development, improved security, value reorientation, and effective healthcare governance as critical pillars for strengthening Africa's medical wellness ecosystem. He argued that while the private sector possesses the capital and expertise needed to transform healthcare delivery, meaningful investments will only materialize when governments establish an enabling environment that guarantees stability, transparency, and investor confidence.

According to Abu, public-private partnerships remain indispensable to healthcare transformation across the continent. He noted that private investors naturally seek profitable ventures, but government policies must first create the right conditions for investment through improved infrastructure, regulatory certainty, institutional support, and a secure operating environment.

During the panel discussion, Abu further attributed many of Africa's healthcare challenges to what he described as a leadership vision deficit, arguing that decades of inadequate planning, inconsistent policy implementation, and insufficient investment have weakened healthcare systems across the continent. He stressed that the future of African healthcare depends on leaders who are willing to prioritize health as a strategic driver of national development rather than merely a social service.

He expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of many hospitals across Africa, warning that numerous healthcare facilities have become outdated and lack the modern technologies and specialist capacity required to diagnose and manage increasingly complex diseases. He cited cardiovascular diseases, kidney failure, obesity, diabetes, and other non-communicable diseases as examples of conditions that demand advanced medical infrastructure and specialized care.

"Our health systems are not adequately prepared for the realities confronting us today," Abu said, noting that the increasing burden of chronic illnesses requires urgent modernization of hospitals, investment in cutting-edge medical technology, workforce development, and continuous professional training for healthcare practitioners.

Calling for urgent action, Abu urged governments across Africa to declare a revolution in the health sector by implementing bold reforms that prioritize healthcare financing, institutional capacity building, research, innovation, and sustainable policy implementation. He maintained that comprehensive reforms would not only improve health outcomes but also enhance economic productivity and strengthen public confidence in national healthcare systems.

He also encouraged African leaders to embrace medical value travel and medical tourism as strategic economic sectors capable of attracting international patients, generating foreign exchange earnings, creating employment opportunities, and reducing the continent's dependence on outbound medical travel. According to him, with the right investments and policy direction, medical wellness has the potential to become "a gold mine for Africa."

The Africa Medical & Wellness Expo 2026 underscored its growing reputation as a solution-driven continental platform by bringing together governments and health ministries, hospitals, healthcare providers, investors, financial institutions, medical tourism facilitators, wellness and innovation companies, and global industry leaders.

 

The forum focused on advancing healthcare investment, promoting international partnerships, encouraging innovation, expanding medical tourism, and developing practical policy frameworks aimed at building resilient, sustainable, and globally competitive healthcare systems across Africa.