I acknowledge the Vice President Kashim Shettima’s recent statement regarding the influx of international patients seeking medical treatment in Nigeria. While it is true that some patients, including Americans and others from outside Nigeria, come for specialised medical care, it is important to place this trend in the right context.
Kidney transplants, dental procedures, and In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) treatments are among the leading specialities drawing international patients, primarily to private health facilities. Though not at a scale comparable to leading global medical tourism destinations, a smaller number seeks cancer-related treatments.
For many, the decision to seek treatment in Nigeria is influenced by factors such as long waiting times for specialist appointments in their home countries — sometimes extending to three months in places like the United Kingdom — or significantly lower costs compared to international alternatives. However, while these cases exist, their numbers remain relatively modest.
Notably, some private healthcare institutions have adopted a hybrid model where Nigerian specialists from abroad fly in periodically to consult and treat patients. In the process, these specialists contribute to local capacity building by training other medical professionals.
While this development is promising, Nigeria is still far from being a major hub for medical tourism. Significant investment in healthcare infrastructure, quality assurance, and policy support is needed to position the country as a preferred destination for a larger volume of international patients.
It is commendable that some progress is being made, but much work remains to be done before Nigeria can fully capitalise on the potential of medical tourism.
To build on this momentum, Nigeria’s healthcare sector could focus on developing specialised treatments and services that cater to the specific needs of international patients. This might include investing in advanced medical equipment, enhancing patient experience, and streamlining logistics for international visitors.
By doing so, Nigeria can unlock its full potential as a medical tourism hub, attracting more patients from around the world and establishing itself as a leader in the global healthcare industry.
