Nigeria’s healthcare sector faces a significant crisis, with medical tourism siphoning up to N2 billion annually. Experts warn that this trend threatens the country’s economy and healthcare system.

At the inaugural NMA Healthcare and Medical Expo in Lagos, calls for reversing medical tourism, improving infrastructure, and attracting private investment were highlighted as key strategies to address the issue.

Nigeria’s healthcare sector is currently grappling with an unprecedented crisis as medical tourism continues to siphon between N1-2 billion annually.

Also read: Nigeria loses $1 billion monthly to medical tourism, AfDB reveals

Experts have raised alarms over the catastrophic consequences this trend could have on both the country’s economy and its already fragile healthcare system.

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) hosted its first-ever Healthcare and Medical Expo in Ikeja, Lagos, on Thursday, to address this urgent issue.

NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, called for a reversal of medical tourism, stressing the need for Nigerians to seek medical care within the country.

He also envisioned Nigeria attracting patients from other countries, a vital step toward improving the sector.

Dr. Benjamin Olowojebutu, First Vice President of the NMA and Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, played a pivotal role in organising the event, aimed at boosting sustainability in Nigeria’s private health sector.

Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, echoed the need for government intervention, arguing that private investment in healthcare is essential for addressing critical gaps, including the state’s 60,000-bed shortage.

Prof. Abayomi further pointed out the importance of offering competitive remuneration for healthcare professionals to prevent further brain drain.

The delay in implementing salary reviews for doctors remains a contentious issue that may trigger industrial action, exacerbating Nigeria’s healthcare challenges.

The NMA’s expo emphasised the urgent need for collaboration between the government and private sector to enhance healthcare infrastructure, reverse medical tourism, and ensure the sector’s growth.

As Nigeria continues to lose medical professionals and patients to foreign countries, experts warn that the nation’s economic growth is inextricably linked to the development of its healthcare system. Failure to act could have long-term consequences for Nigeria’s future.