The management of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), in partnership with Patricare Health Services, officially launched the UPTH PREMIUM FACILITY on March 11, 2025.
The UPTH PREMIUM initiative is part of a public-private partnership (PPP) aimed at enhancing the hospitalโs capacity to provide excellent medical services to its patients. It reflects the commitment of the hospitalโs management and its partner to improving healthcare accessibility, which remains scarce in the South-South region of Nigeria.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in collaboration with the hospital, initiated the Amenity Ward Complex project in 2021 as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to address the challenges of medical tourism in the country. The facility is designed to provide world-class healthcare services in an exquisite environment.
In his welcome address, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of UPTH, Professor Henry A. Ugboma, expressed his gratitude to God for witnessing the occasion and commended the hospitalโs management team for their efforts in making the project a reality. He emphasized that UPTH Premium specializes in high-quality healthcare and encouraged the public to utilize its services, stating that the premium healthcare Nigerians seek abroad is now available at their doorstep.
The Special Guest of Honor, His Excellency Mukhtar Ahmed Anka, the immediate past Board Chairman of UPTH, applauded the hospitalโs management for initiating the project. He noted that the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is committed to improving healthcare services in Nigeria, particularly at UPTH, through the support of the CBN. He also commended Patricare Health Services for its strong collaboration with UPTH in bringing the project to fruition.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Patricare, Dr. Teinye Isokariari, shared the vision of Patricare (UPTH Premium)โto redefine healthcare delivery by creating more efficient systems and equipping the hospital with state-of-the-art medical facilities. He highlighted that UPTH Premium boasts four modern operating theatres, a well-equipped laboratory, and a specialized baby care unit, among other top-tier medical facilities. He encouraged the public to be part of this transformative healthcare journey.
During a press briefing, the Rivers State Commissioner for Health, represented by Dr. Ojum Sylvanus, Director of the Rivers State Health Emergency Agency, reaffirmed the Rivers State Governmentโs commitment to supporting UPTH Premium. He announced that in a show of partnership, the agency will handle emergency cases for UPTH Premium free of charge. He also urged the public to make use of the state health emergency number whenever necessary.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Professor Owunari Georgewill, congratulated the CMD, UPTH management, and the people of Rivers State on this milestone achievement. He expressed his gratitude to God for witnessing this development during his tenure as Vice-Chancellor of UNIPORT and urged Nigerians to stop seeking medical treatment abroad, as UPTH Premium now offers world-class healthcare services locally.
Several dignitaries delivered goodwill messages, including a representative of the CMD, Military Hospital, the Medical Manager of Oando LNG Resources Limited, Port Harcourt, Dr. Karri Ade, and other esteemed guests.
The event concluded with a tour of the UPTH Premium Facility
