Nigeria is experiencing a notable rise in reverse medical tourism, with patients from the United States and other countries increasingly seeking affordable, high-quality kidney transplants within its borders, according to Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Nigerian Association of Nephrology (NAN) at the Presidential Villa ahead of the association’s 37th Scientific Conference, Shettima attributed this trend to the combination of cost-effectiveness and the expertise available in the country’s healthcare sector.
“There is reverse medical tourism these days fundamentally because of the level of care at some of our hospitals. Recently, thirteen patients from the United States came to Nigeria for kidney transplants at Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre because it is much cheaper here, and they receive the same level of expertise available anywhere in the world,” he stated in a release signed by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications (Office of The Vice President).
The Vice President commended Dr. Olalekan Olatise, Chief Medical Director of Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre, for his dedication to improving kidney care, describing him as “a very decent man who is highly altruistic” in his commitment to serving humanity.
Shettima also highlighted the financial challenges faced by transplant patients, noting that many resort to selling personal property or depending on government assistance to cover the cost of surgery and post-operative care.
“While getting a kidney transplant is a significant challenge, life after a transplant presents even more difficulties. Many patients struggle with the cost of post-transplant care, including immunosuppressants, which are essential to maintaining their health,” he said.
Reflecting on his tenure as Governor of Borno State, Shettima spoke about healthcare initiatives he championed, including free maternal care programs.
32 Years After, NPA Increases Port Tariff By 15%
President Bola Tinubu Celebrates Nollywood Icon Nkem Owoh On 70th Birthday
“At a hospital in my neighborhood, we provide a bag of rice and beans to every new mother. They record about 30 births daily, more than even the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH). Over 4,000 deliveries have been recorded in less than eight months, with all medical expenses covered, including caesarean sections,” he shared.
The Vice President also underscored the importance of investing in Nigeria’s medical workforce, recalling an initiative during his governorship where 60 female students were sponsored to study medicine in Sudan.
“About 58 of them completed their education and passed the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) licensing exams. Most of them are now in their medical residency programmes. The beauty of training women in medicine is that they are more likely to stay back and serve their communities.
“We must make deliberate and targeted investments in specialised healthcare education in this country,” he added.
Earlier, Dr. Olatise, who also chairs the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 37th Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Association of Nephrology, announced that the conference, themed “Revolutionizing Kidney Care in Nigeria: Evidence-Based Innovations,” will be held in Abuja from February 19–21, 2025.
The association also revealed plans to honor Vice President Shettima with the Kidney Champion Award in recognition of his advocacy and support for kidney patients, including funding for immunosuppressants and championing the creation of a specialised laboratory for post-transplant care.
