Nigeria admits to losing $2b to medical tourism – as health workers emigrate to other countries for better working conditions
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Nigeria has admitted to losing about $2 billion yearly to medical tourism, but is stressing the need to build health sovereignty and not rely on foreign care, amid mass emigration of medical professionals to greener pastures abroad due to government neglect of the health sector at home.
Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, a professor, made the admission, blaming a lack of confidence in local healthcare and citizens’ inability to access quality health.
Indeed, Muhammadu Buhari in all his years as President travelled overseas for medical treatment and Nigerians speculate that he is being emulated by his successor, Bola Tinubu, with his quarterly trips to France under various guises.
Pate spoke at the commissioning of Avon Medical Centre, a 50-bed specialist hospital in Surulere, Lagos; represented by the Chief Medical Director of Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) Chief Medical Director, Wasiu Adeyemo.
However, he expressed optimism that Avon Medical Centre, among others, would reverse medical tourism, saying the government is committed to revitalising the health sector through 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.”
Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu sought collaboration between the public and private sectors as the government alone cannot solve healthcare challenges.
“But we must create the enabling environment for private equity and investment to thrive. That said, Avon Medical, I dare say, has etched its name in the sands of time in this industry – not only in Lagos but in Nigeria as a whole,” he said.
Avon Healthcare Limited Chairperson Awele Elumelu lamented that the lack of doctors, beds, and facilities puts Nigeria’s healthcare system under pressure.
He recounted that “In 2009, we took the bold step to make world-class healthcare accessible and affordable to all, not just the privileged few. That decision birthed Avon Medical and Avon HMO.
“Africa carries over 20 per cent of the global disease burden, yet has only one per cent of healthcare resources.
“In Nigeria, the lack of doctors, beds, and equipment puts our system under pressure. What we are building is a healthcare system that leaves no one behind.
“We believe in Afri-capitalism – that the private sector has a responsibility not just to generate profit but to create lasting impact.”
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