Medical Tourism: Doctors to Showcase Medical Services Available in Nigeria


By Chioma Umeha
The Federal Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria (AGPMPN) and the Guild of Medical Directors (GMD), will on Monday, September 19 and Tuesday, September 20, 2016 hold an exhibition and conference to showcase what is happening in the sector.
Prof. Sam Ohaegbulam, Chief Medical Director of Memphys, said the exhibition tagged, ‘All Things Medical” (ATM) was timely as information and statistics about what is available in Nigeria was the bedrock of a viable and functional healthcare system.
“People keep asking, where can we do this or that in Nigeria? Or who can do this procedure or that operation in Nigeria? Then, they say, we did not know that this was available in Nigeria!”
Unfortunately, he said, there were huge risks for the unwary in medical care in Nigeria as many people end up patronising dangerous establishments and charlatans simply because they have no clear knowledge of where the real doctors are.
Citing an example, Ohaegbulem revealed that the Ogun State government has closed three hospitals in Ifo Local Council after two pregnant women died as the government accused the hospitals of lacking the competence to treat patients.
According to the neurosurgeon, “there is the issue with medical tourism. Doctors have highlighted the dangers of going to places such as India, South Africa, United Kingdom and Egypt for medical treatment. They pointed out the problems of traveling to these countries without proper information about the doctors, their qualifications and experience. In effect, running to India is not the solution, especially if what you need is in Sokoto.”
Also, the Medical Director, Alliance Hospital, Abuja, Dr. Chris Otabor, emphasised the need for more information about high-quality healthcare personnel and facilities in Nigeria.
He added that Nigeria needed a National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) that is effective so that all citizens can receive reasonable health care.
Another medical expert, a neurosurgeon, Spine Fixed in Abuja, Dr. Biodun Ogungbo, identified many specialist hospitals, which provide specialist care in Nigeria.
Ogungbo said the exhibition and conference as well as many other efforts all over the country, was the first step to empowering the people and saving lives in Nigeria.
According to the neurosurgeon, “there is the issue with medical tourism. Doctors have highlighted the dangers of going to places such as India, South Africa, United Kingdom and Egypt for medical treatment. They pointed out the problems of traveling to these countries without proper information about the doctors, their qualifications and experience. In effect, running to India is not the solution, especially if what you need is in Sokoto.”
Also, the Medical Director, Alliance Hospital, Abuja, Dr. Chris Otabor, emphasised the need for more information about high-quality healthcare personnel and facilities in Nigeria.
He added that Nigeria needed a National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) that is effective so that all citizens can receive reasonable health care.
Another medical expert, a neurosurgeon, Spine Fixed in Abuja, Dr. Biodun Ogungbo, identified many specialist hospitals, which provide specialist care in Nigeria.
Ogungbo said the exhibition and conference as well as many other efforts all over the country, was the first step to empowering the people and saving lives in Nigeria.


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