Buhari laments nigerias loss of over n400b yearly to medical tourism

A very relevant and concerning issue in Nigeria!

According to reports, President Muhammadu Buhari has lamented the loss of over N400 billion (approximately $1.1 billion USD) annually due to medical tourism in Nigeria. This is a staggering amount that could be better utilized to improve the country's healthcare system and provide quality medical care to its citizens.

Medical tourism, also known as healthcare tourism, refers to the practice of traveling to another country for medical treatment. In Nigeria, many citizens opt for medical tourism due to the lack of quality healthcare facilities, inadequate medical personnel, and limited access to essential medicines.

The President's concern is not unfounded. Nigeria has one of the worst healthcare systems in the world, with a shortage of medical personnel, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to essential healthcare services. This has led to a brain drain of medical professionals, with many seeking better opportunities abroad.

The loss of N400 billion annually due to medical tourism is a significant economic burden on the country. It is estimated that every year, thousands of Nigerians travel abroad for medical treatment, spending millions of dollars on healthcare services. This not only depletes the country's foreign exchange reserves but also diverts funds that could be used to improve the healthcare system.

To address this issue, the Nigerian government has announced plans to revamp the healthcare system, including the construction of new hospitals, recruitment of more medical personnel, and improvement of healthcare infrastructure. The government has also launched initiatives to promote medical tourism in Nigeria, such as the "Nigeria Healthcare Tourism" program, which aims to attract foreign patients to the country.

It is essential for the Nigerian government to prioritize healthcare reform and invest in the development of a robust healthcare system. This will not only reduce the loss of revenue due to medical tourism but also improve the overall health and well-being of the citizens.