The Federal Government has officially launched Nigeria’s first non-surgical spinal decompression center in Abuja, aimed at improving access to advanced healthcare services across the country. The launch event, held on Saturday, was attended by the Minister of Health, Muhammad Pate, represented by the Director of Hospital Services at the ministry, Salaudeen Jimoh.
Jimoh expressed the Ministry’s support, saying, “We are here to represent the entire family of the Federal Ministry of Health, and we’re excited about the operations that will begin here. I want to thank the management, particularly Slapinski, for choosing Nigeria to implement this important project.”
He also highlighted the alignment of the center’s opening with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for Health, which focuses on enhancing healthcare access for Nigerians. “This is a timely development. The Renewed Hope Agenda on Health is one of the key priorities of the president, and this center is a significant part of that vision,” Jimoh stated.
Dr. Craig Slapinski, Clinical Director and co-founder of the Spine and Nerve Centre, spoke about the high demand for the center’s services and plans for future expansion. “We are seeing a large number of people seeking treatment. Our focus now is on expanding our staff and acquiring the necessary equipment,” he said. “We’re also hiring another doctor to help meet the demand.”
Slapinski praised the government’s support in facilitating the center’s establishment, particularly in securing necessary licenses and regulatory approvals. “We’ve worked closely with the Ministries of Health and Petroleum, who have been instrumental in the approval process,” he noted.
The center offers non-surgical alternatives for individuals suffering from chronic pain, providing a solution apart from surgery and long-term medication. “We’re here to offer an alternative to surgery and chronic pain medication, showing people that there is hope beyond these options,” Slapinski added.
He also shared that prior to the Abuja center’s opening, many Nigerians traveled to Ghana for similar treatments. “I have an office in Accra, and we’ve seen many Nigerians coming there for treatment. Abuja seemed like the next logical location for us,” he explained, adding that more locations will open within the next two years.
Slapinski concluded by expressing gratitude for the Nigerian government’s support in ensuring the smooth and timely opening of the facility. “The government has been incredibly helpful, especially with licensing and registration, making the process streamlined and efficient,” he said.
