Expert calls for government, private collaboration to end medical tourism in Nigeria
By Franca Ofili
A medical expert, Christopher Otabor has called for a collaboration between the government and private healthcare institutions to curb medical tourism which has affected the country’s economy.
Otabor, who is the Founder and Medical Director of Alliance Hospital, made the call in Akwanga, Nasarawa, at the 2023 7th conference organised by the Association of Nigeria Health Journalist (ANHEJ) in collaboration with World Health Organisation (WHO).
Otabor said that it was alarming that more than 60,000 Nigerians seek medical treatment abroad annually.
According to him, the drain on national resources and capital flight underscores the urgency required for the private sector to play a pivotal role in reshaping the healthcare landscape.
Otabor listed the numerous repercussions of medical tourism, saying that there was need for a paradigm shift to curb the escalating trend.
Otabor said that the cost-effectiveness of medical procedures in India, coupled with expertise and technological advancements had turned it into a destination for those seeking quality healthcare without exorbitant costs.
He said that the factors propelling medical tourism included dissatisfaction with local healthcare services and strikes within the healthcare sector.
Otabor who called for a systemic change, said that the consequences of medical tourism were enormous.
He added that the some private and government hospitals now have the capacity to provide high-level medical services within the country and should ultimately reduce the dependence on foreign healthcare.
He said that there was a need to address the specific healthcare gaps within the country to mitigate the mass exodus for treatment abroad.
“A comprehensive analysis of medical tourism specialties revealed that cardiac procedures, joint replacements, and complex surgeries like kidney transplants were among the top drivers of medical tourism,” he said.
He advocated for governmental support, incentives such as tax holidays and improved access to finances.
Otabor pleaded for enabling environment where private medical institutions would thrive and contribute significantly to healthcare issues.
He narrated the success stories of some private medical institutions, where intricate surgeries, transplants and advanced medical treatments were successfully conducted.
“These examples served as beacons of hope, demonstrating the potential for the private sector to lead the charge in transforming Nigeria’s healthcare landscape,” he said. (NAN)(www.nanews.ng)
=========
Edited by Emmanuel Afonne
Published By
Has also recently published
General NewsJune 27, 2024Nigeria requires N348trn to address infrastructure deficit -ICRC D-G
BusinessJune 26, 2024Ways and means securitisation responsible for N24trn debt rise – DMO
SportsJune 26, 2024Paris Olympics: We’re ready to surpass previous achievements – NOC
Defence/SecurityJune 26, 2024Recruitment: Okiro urges harmony between PSC, Police
