Vice President Kashim Shettima has revealed that Nigeria is experiencing a surge in reverse medical tourism, with patients from the United States and other countries opting for treatment in Nigerian hospitals.
He attributed this growing trend to the affordability and high-quality expertise available in the country’s healthcare sector, particularly in kidney transplant procedures.
Speaking on Thursday during a courtesy visit by the Nigerian Association of Nephrology (NAN) at the Presidential Villa—held ahead of the association’s 37th Scientific Conference—Shettima emphasized the importance of further investments in specialized medical education to sustain and expand this progress.
Nigeria as a Destination for Kidney Transplants
According to the Vice President, Nigeria’s healthcare sector has reached a point where it is attracting international patients seeking specialized treatments.
“There is now a trend of reverse medical tourism due to the quality of care in some of our hospitals. Recently, thirteen patients from the United States traveled to Nigeria for kidney transplants. They received the same level of expertise available in top hospitals worldwide,” Shettima said.
However, he acknowledged the financial burden many patients face, noting that some are forced to sell their homes or rely on government assistance to afford kidney transplants.
“While undergoing a kidney transplant is a major challenge, post-transplant care is even more demanding. Many patients struggle with the cost of immunosuppressants, which are crucial for maintaining their health after surgery,” he stated.
Shettima’s Healthcare Initiatives and Achievements
Reflecting on his tenure as Governor of Borno State, Shettima highlighted some of the healthcare initiatives he introduced, particularly those aimed at maternal and child health.
“At a hospital in my neighborhood, every new mother receives a bag of rice and beans. This hospital records about 30 births daily—more than even the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH). In less than eight months, over 4,000 deliveries have been recorded, with all medical expenses covered, including caesarean sections,” he shared.
Beyond maternal care, Shettima also underscored his efforts in medical education and workforce development, revealing that during his time as Governor, he sponsored 60 female students to study medicine in Sudan to address the shortage of healthcare professionals in the state.
“Of the 60 students, 58 successfully completed their education and passed the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) licensing exams. Many of them are now in residency programs. The beauty of training women in medicine is that they are more likely to stay back and serve their communities,” he explained.
The Need for More Investment in Specialized Healthcare
Vice President Shettima stressed that for Nigeria to maintain and improve its medical services, deliberate investments in specialized healthcare education are crucial.
“We must commit to targeted investments in specialized healthcare education. This is the only way we can strengthen our medical workforce, reduce dependency on foreign healthcare, and ultimately position Nigeria as a global medical hub,” he concluded.
His remarks come amid broader discussions on the state of Nigeria’s healthcare system, with experts advocating for increased funding, infrastructure development, and retention of medical professionals to sustain the country’s growing reputation as a medical tourism destination.
