Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, has revealed that Nigeria loses approximately $2 billion annually to medical tourism. He emphasized the urgent need for the country to achieve health sovereignty and reduce dependence on foreign medical care. According to Pate, represented by Professor Wasiu Adeyemo, Chief Medical Director of Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH)—the massive outflow is driven by low confidence in the local healthcare system and limited access to quality care. Speaking at the commissioning of Avon Medical Centre, a 50-bed specialty hospital in Surulere, Lagos, Pate expressed hope that such facilities would help reverse the trend. He also reaffirmed the government’s dedication to revitalizing the health sector through initiatives like the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and the 2024–2027 Health Sector Strategic Blueprint. His words: “This is not just about stopping medical tourism. It is about building health sovereignty, the ability of a country to care for its people, and develop its institutions, talent, and innovation. “The government stands ready to co-create pathways for private-sector engagement, be it through health insurance expansion, regulatory reform, or partnerships with national health programmes. We welcome Avon Medical and all new private providers to come alongside us as partners in building a healthier, safer, and more equitable Nigeria.”