Medical Expert Advises Government on Tackling Medical Tourism Crisis
The Medical Director, Alliance Hospital Dr. Christopher Otabor, has highlighted the pressing issue of medical tourism affecting the country.
READ ALSO:NMA urges Nigerians to Support experts to curb medical tourism
Speaking to Journalist in Abuja, the nations capital, Dr. Otabor underscored the detrimental impact of medical tourism on both the healthcare sector and the nation’s economy.
With a steady increase in citizens seeking medical treatment abroad, he emphasised the urgent need for proactive measures to address this escalating crisis.
He lamented the loss of valuable resources, including skilled medical professionals and financial capital, as patients goes overseas in search of specialised treatments and greener pastures.
“Medical tourism not only drains our healthcare system but also diminishes the confidence of our citizens in local healthcare providers”. He said.
“We have the expertise and facilities to deliver world-class medical care right here in Nigeria. However, without adequate support from the government, we risk losing both patients and medical professionals to foreign shores. The call for government intervention comes amidst growing concerns over the country’s healthcare infrastructure and accessibility”. He added.
“Despite recent advancements in medical technology and expertise, many citizens continue to face challenges in accessing quality healthcare services within the country”. He said.
He shed light on the detrimental impact of brain drain and medical tourism on Nigeria’s healthcare system, labelling them as the “twin evils” undermining healthcare delivery.
Dr. Otabor highlighted the exodus of skilled healthcare professionals abroad and the alarming rate of patients seeking treatment overseas.
He emphasised the severe shortage of doctors and other healthcare specialists in the country, with teaching hospitals and specialist facilities struggling to maintain adequate staffing levels.
“Citing statistics indicating that Nigerian doctors abroad outnumber those practising in the country, the imbalance in the doctor-patient ratio far exceeds the World Health Organization’s recommendations, leaving many communities without access to essential medical care,” he said.
Addressing the root causes of these challenges, he pointed to a combination of factors, including inadequate investment in healthcare infrastructure, low salaries, and insecurity.
He called on the government to prioritize healthcare funding and operationalize the National Health Act of 2014, which outlines crucial measures for improving healthcare delivery across the country.
“I urged the government to learn from successful models in the private sector, where initiatives to curb medical tourism are already underway,” he added.
Expressing optimism, he believed that with concerted efforts from the government, private sector, and civil society, the country could reverse the tide of medical tourism and build a robust healthcare system capable of serving the needs of its population.
“I reiterate our commitment to saving lives and improving healthcare in Nigeria,” he said.
In a solidarity visit to Alliance Hospital by the Guild of Medical Directors, the Chairman in FCT, a Consultant Radiologist, Dr Kingsley Iseko, advocated for transparency amidst controversy on kidney transplants in the country.
In light of recent allegations and scrutiny surrounding Dr Otabor, he noted that the focus has shifted to the crucial importance of transparency and accountability within the healthcare sector.
“We sized the opportunity to emphasise the critical role of transparency in maintaining public trust and ensuring the highest standards of care. The medical community underscores the need for robust review processes and ethical standards,” he stated.
He called for renewed regulation and oversight to safeguard patients with kidney transplants and uphold professional standards.
Beyond addressing the immediate controversy, he also shined a light on broader healthcare issues, including the rising prevalence of kidney disease in the country.
“We call for the establishment of nationwide transplant committees with the profession’s dedication to ethical practices and patient-centred care,” he emphasised.
“In the face of adversity, the Guild of Medical Directors reaffirms its dedication to transparency and accountability. We stress our willingness to cooperate with any investigations and review processes to ensure that trust and integrity are upheld within the profession,” he said.
