Medical tourism costs Nigeria $2 billion a year
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Businessday
Nigeria is estimated to lose $2 billion each year because residents seek treatment abroad, said Charles Ugwuanyi, chief executive of Wellington Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in Abuja. At the hospital’s 15th anniversary, he called for investment in local specialist care, medical equipment, training and health insurance, Businessday reports.
Medical tourism costs Nigeria around $2 billion a year, according to Charles Ugwuanyi, chief executive of Wellington Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in Abuja. He called on the government on Monday to strengthen local specialist care at a ceremony marking the hospital’s 15th anniversary, Businessday reports.
Charles Ugwuanyi said incentives for specialist private hospitals, a more reliable electricity supply and expanded insurance cover for complex treatments could limit spending abroad. He also called for continued training and for health professionals to be retained in the country to strengthen patients’ confidence in Nigerian facilities.
In 15 years, his hospital has treated 9,457 patients and carried out 4,657 operations for conditions affecting the brain, spine and peripheral nerves. The total includes 2,150 brain operations and 2,307 spinal procedures. The facility has six operating theatres, specialist diagnostic equipment and seven dialysis machines. It has also installed solar panels to power its equipment.
The director also warned of kidney risks linked to hypertension, diabetes and the excessive use of painkillers such as ibuprofen, indomethacin and naproxen. He called for regular medical checks and greater awareness, particularly among young people who may not know that they have hypertension or diabetes.
Summary produced with the help of artificial intelligence tools, under AFREEQUE’s editorial responsibility.
