Nigeria Sees Rise in Reverse Medical Tourism, Says VP Kashim Shettima
Vice President Kashim Shettima has highlighted Nigeria’s increasing reputation as a destination for reverse medical tourism, with patients from the United States and other nations flocking to its hospitals for affordable and high-quality kidney transplants. Shettima made these remarks during a visit from the Nigerian Association of Nephrology at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, ahead of the association’s 37th Scientific Conference.
In a statement released by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima emphasized that patients are opting for medical care in Nigeria due to the combination of cost-effectiveness and advanced medical expertise available within the country. He noted a recent case where 13 U.S. patients traveled to Nigeria for kidney transplants at the Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre, citing it as a more economical option that does not compromise on quality of care.
The Vice President commended the Chief Medical Director of the Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre, Olalekan Olatise, for his dedicated efforts in kidney care, describing him as an altruistic individual deeply committed to helping others. However, Shettima acknowledged the financial burden on patients, revealing that many resort to selling their homes or seeking governmental assistance to finance transplants.
He articulated that while receiving a kidney transplant poses considerable challenges, the aftermath is even more taxing due to the continual expenses related to post-transplant care, particularly the need for immunosuppressants necessary for patient health.
Reflecting on his previous initiatives during his time as Governor of Borno State, Shettima spoke about the successes of free maternal care programs and the impact of providing basic necessities to new mothers in hospitals. He shared that nearly 4,000 deliveries occurred over eight months at one facility, significantly outpacing even one of the region’s larger teaching hospitals.
In his remarks, he also emphasized the importance of building Nigeria’s medical workforce. He recounted sponsoring 60 female students to attend medical school in Sudan, of which the majority completed their education and are now in residency programs. He noted the significance of empowering women in medicine, suggesting that such practitioners are more inclined to return and serve their local communities.
Shettima called for more targeted investments in specialized healthcare education in Nigeria.
Dr. Olalekan Olatise, who is also the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee for the upcoming Nigerian Association of Nephrology Conference, revealed that the conference, themed “Revolutionising Kidney Care in Nigeria: Evidence-Based Innovations,” will be held in Abuja from February 19-21, 2025. Olatise announced that the association plans to honor Vice President Shettima with the Kidney Champion Award, recognizing his advocacy for kidney patients, including his efforts to fund immunosuppressant medications and propose a specialized lab for post-transplant care monitoring.
“We appreciate the Vice President’s involvement in improving care for kidney patients, as he has been instrumental in acquiring necessary medications and considering the establishment of a laboratory for monitoring vital health parameters,” Olatise stated.
The upcoming conference is set to attract over 600 participants, including Nigerian medical professionals in the diaspora, pharmaceutical representatives, hospital administrators, and manufacturers of dialysis products. Additionally, Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre recently collaborated with Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital in Sokoto to successfully conduct a kidney transplant.
The visiting delegation also featured Dr. Adegboyega Faponle, Secretary of the LOC, and Dr. Manmak Mamven, Treasurer of the Nigerian Association of Nephrology.
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