The Federal Government has expressed delight over the state-of-the-art Tasmania Digestive Centre built by a Nigerian Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist, Dr Albert Nwaba, in Tasmania, Australia.
During the inauguration, Acting High Commissioner of Nigeria to Australia, Ambassador Jane Bassey Adams, said Nwaba's establishment of the centre was a shining testament to the power of dedication and community spirit.
Adams also said the hospital singlehandedly built by Nwaba was more than just a building, saying it represented hope, care and compassion. "Today, we gather to celebrate a momentous occasion - the inauguration of the first private hospital built by a Nigerian in diaspora, a shining testament to the power of dedication and community spirit. This hospital is more than just a building; it represents hope, care, and compassion.
"I'd like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the visionary founder, whose tireless efforts have brought this project to fruition. Your selflessness and commitment to improving healthcare services in Tasmania are truly inspiring."
The High Commissioner expressed belief that the hospital will significantly enhance healthcare options for the Tasmanian community, providing access to world-class medical facilities and expertise.
"It will create jobs and stimulate economic growth in the region, contributing to Tasmania's prosperity.
"This Nigerian-built hospital in Australia symbolises the strong bonds between our nations, fostering cultural understanding and cooperation," Adams also said.
While acknowledging the tireless efforts of the hospital's staff, builders, and all those involved in making the project a reality, the High Commissioner said their hard work and dedication have paid off, saying "and today we celebrate your success and we are proud of you."
Adams said: "The government and people of Nigeria are proud of you.
"As we mark this significant milestone, let us also recognize the potential for future collaborations and partnerships between Nigeria and Australia in healthcare and beyond."
Delta State-born Nwaba, said the hospital was more than bricks and water.
Nwaba also said it was a promise of better care, earlier detection and improved outcomes for patients and families.
"It represents progress, compassion and a commitment to the health and wellbeing of our community.
"As we cut the ribbon today, let us remember that this is not the end of the journey, but the beginning of a new chapter.
"May this Digestive Day Hospital serve as a beacon of healing, hope and humanity for generations to come," Nwaba prayed.
Mayor of Devonport, Alison Jarman, said it was a real pleasure to be at the ceremony to acknowledge and celebrate the vision and dedication of Dr Nwaba, who has chosen Devonport as the home for his new hospital.
"We could not be prouder, nor more impressed, by his decision to build such an important facility right here in our community.
"For too long, waiting lists have been a major challenge across Tasmania, particularly in specialist areas like gastroenterology. Dr Nwaba, the only gastroenterologist on the Coast, has seen this challenge first-hand. He recognised that only one in three category-one patients were being seen within the recommended 30-day timeframe. Instead of simply accepting this situation, he took matters into his own hands. He committed to creating a solution - one that would deliver cheaper procedures, shorter waiting times, and more holistic care for patients," Jarman said.
The mayor added that the new 8 million dollar facility on Oldaker Street represented more than just bricks and mortar. "It represents hope. Hope that those who need urgent care can be seen sooner, and hope that public hospitals will be freed up to concentrate on emergencies and the most complex cases. By partnering with government and ensuring some public patients can have procedures done here, this centre will benefit the entire North-West Coast.
"We are particularly impressed by the courage and determination behind this project. As Dr Nwaba has pointed out, building a state-of-the-art facility in regional Tasmania is not without its risks. But his commitment as both a medical professional and a businessman has given him the credibility and drive to see it through.
"Importantly, this centre will not only serve patients, but also support specialists and nurses across a range of fields - from gastroenterology to general surgery, orthopaedics, urology, obstetrics, and gynaecology. Already, we've seen strong interest from nurses wanting to join the team, with 12 applicants responding within just hours of the job advertisement going live. That in itself shows the strong demand for a facility like this.
"The Tasmanian Digestive Centre also represents an investment in our region's future. By creating a modern, efficient and cost-effective hospital here in Devonport, Dr Nwaba is helping to make our city a centre of medical excellence. He is also showing that regional Tasmania deserves the same opportunities, the same high-quality care, and the same investment as anywhere else in the country," the Mayor of Devonport said.