The United States Food and Drug Administration has approved the first cell-based gene therapies for the treatment of Sickle Cell Disease, marking a significant milestone in the field of medical advancements. In light of this development, a medical expert in Nigeria, Christopher Otabor, has emphasized the potential of collaboration between the government and private healthcare institutions to curtail the alarming trend of medical tourism.
Otabor, who is the Founder and Medical Director of Alliance Hospital, spoke at the seventh conference organized by the Association of Nigeria Health Journalists in collaboration with the World Health Organization in Akwanga, Nasarawa. He expressed concern over the increasing number of Nigerians seeking medical treatment abroad, which currently stands at over 60,000 individuals annually.
Highlighting the negative impact of medical tourism on national resources and capital flight, Otabor stressed the urgent need for the private sector to actively engage in reshaping Nigeria’s healthcare landscape. The cost-effectiveness, expertise, and technological advancements in countries like India have made them popular destinations for individuals seeking quality healthcare at affordable prices.
Factors driving medical tourism include dissatisfaction with local healthcare services and healthcare sector strikes. Otabor called for a paradigm shift to address the root causes and consequences of this trend. He emphasized that several private and government hospitals in Nigeria now possess the capability to provide high-level medical services, reducing the country’s dependence on foreign healthcare.
Otabor underscored the necessity of tackling healthcare gaps within the country as a means to mitigate the mass exodus for treatment abroad. Cardiac procedures, joint replacements, and complex surgeries such as kidney transplants were identified as key drivers of medical tourism based on a comprehensive analysis.
To encourage private medical institutions’ growth and contribution to healthcare, Otabor advocated for government support, including incentives such as tax holidays and improved access to finances. He referenced success stories of private medical institutions that have successfully conducted intricate surgeries, transplants, and advanced medical treatments. These examples serve as inspiration, highlighting the potential for the private sector to lead the transformation of Nigeria’s healthcare landscape.
In conclusion, the collaboration between the government and private healthcare institutions has the power to combat medical tourism and revolutionize the healthcare sector in Nigeria. By addressing the specific healthcare gaps, providing incentives, and creating an enabling environment, the country can reduce its reliance on foreign healthcare, saving valuable resources and improving the overall well-being of its citizens.
