An Orthopaedic Surgeon has started that both Federal and state governments collaborate as the reason to stem the rising tide of medical tourism and brain drain in the healthcare sector in Nigeria.
The expert who is also the Chief Medical Director/ Chief Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon of Alliance Hospital, Dr. Christopher Otabor, made the call at the 7th Conference of the Association of Nigeria Health Journalists (ANHEJ) held in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO).
Otabor said, addressing the pressing issue of medical tourism trends, showed that over 60,000 Nigerians seek medical treatment abroad annually, posing a drain on national resources and contributing to capital flight.
He called for an urgent need for the private sector to play a pivotal role in reshaping the healthcare landscape.
Otabor further highlighted the cost-effectiveness of medical procedures in destinations like India, making it a preferred choice for those seeking quality healthcare at lower costs.
“Cardiac procedures, joint replacements, and complex surgeries such as kidney transplants were identified as major drivers of medical tourism.”
He also emphasized the critical need to address these healthcare gaps within Nigeria to reduce the reliance on foreign medical services.
“Factors fueling medical tourism, including dissatisfaction with local healthcare services and strikes within the healthcare sector, were analyzed, emphasizing the necessity for systemic change.”
“Private hospitals were hailed for their discipline, financial incentives, and passion, positioning them as catalysts for offering advanced medical services within the country.”
Otabor, therefore, called for governmental support, advocating for incentives such as tax holidays and improved access to finances to enable private institutions to thrive.
The plea for collaboration between the public and private sectors resonated strongly, with Dr. Otabor presenting success stories from private institutions where intricate surgeries, transplants, and advanced medical treatments were successfully conducted.
“These examples served as beacons of hope, illustrating the potential for the private sector to lead in transforming Nigeria’s healthcare landscape.”
“The call for a unified front in reshaping the healthcare landscape laid the foundation for a collective effort to provide quality healthcare services to all Nigerians,
“The importance of collaboration between the government and the private healthcare sector to address the challenges posed by medical tourism,” He added.
READ ALSO FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
