Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Akwanga.
A healthcare provider in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Alliance Hospital Group has said that with effective promotion of private sector investment in the health sector, Nigeria will be able to save over N1 trillion spent on medical treatment abroad.
Speaking yesterday at the 2023 Annual Health Conference organised by the Association of Nigerian Health Journalists (ANHEJ) and sponsored by the World Health Organisation (WHO) held in Akwanga Nasarawa state, the Medical Director of the Alliance Hospital Group, Dr. Christopher Otabor said that Nigeria stands a good chance of saving over N1 trillion spent by citizens on medical treatment abroad if the government partners private sector to improve health facilities.
He said with a stark revelation that over 60,000 Nigerians seek medical treatment abroad each year, the nation’s resources are being drained thereby contributing to capital flight.
Otabor who spoke of the economic implications of the medical tourism phenomenon, emphasised the urgent need for the government to ensure a paradigm shift to check further economic losses.
“The cost-effectiveness of medical procedures in India, coupled with expertise and technological advancements, has turned it into a go-to destination for those seeking quality healthcare without exorbitant costs”, he said.
Otabor said that a comprehensive analysis of medical tourism specialities revealed that cardiac procedures, joint replacements, and complex surgeries like kidney transplants were among the top drivers of medical tourism.
Otabor said there is a need to urgently address the existing healthcare gaps within Nigeria to check the exodus of Nigerians for treatment abroad.
He also listed some of the intricate factors propelling medical tourism to include; dissatisfaction with local healthcare services and frequent strikes within the healthcare sector.
He also said that discipline, financial incentives, and passion exhibited by private hospitals can act as catalysts for offering advanced medical services within the country, and ultimately reducing the dependence on foreign healthcare.
Otabor said the success stories from private institutions, where intricate surgeries, transplants, and advanced medical treatments were conducted successfully is a testimony to what impact they can make if we’re mobilised.
“These examples served as beacons of hope, demonstrating the potential for the private sector to lead the charge in transforming Nigeria’s healthcare landscape”, he added.
He emphasised the necessity for collaborative action, urging both public and private sectors to work hand-in-hand.
“The call to create a unified front in reshaping the healthcare landscape resonated strongly, laying the foundation for a collective effort in providing quality healthcare services to all Nigerians.
While acknowledging the challenges faced by the private sector, Otabor said with the government’s support, advocating for incentives such as tax holidays and improved access to finances, the desired improvement can be achieved.
“This plea underscores the importance of creating an environment where private institutions could thrive, contributing significantly to improved healthcare outcomes”, he said.
