Vice President Kashim Shettima has claimed that Nigeria is experiencing a surge in reverse medical tourism, with patients from the United States and other countries seeking affordable and high-quality kidney transplants in Nigerian hospitals.
Speaking on Thursday 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 expertise available in Nigeria and the lower cost of treatment compared to abroad.
“There is reverse medical tourism these days fundamentally because of the level of care at some of our hospitals. Recently, 13 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,” Shettima said.
He praised Dr. Olalekan Olatise, Chief Medical Director of Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre, for his contributions to kidney care, describing him as “a very decent man who is highly altruistic” in his efforts to assist humanity.
However, the Vice President acknowledged the financial burden on patients, many of whom struggle to afford transplants and post-surgery 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.
Shettima also recalled his healthcare initiatives as Governor of Borno State, highlighting the free maternal care programme he introduced.
“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 said.
Highlighting the need to strengthen Nigeria’s medical workforce, Shettima noted that during his tenure as Borno State Governor, 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 serves as Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for NAN’s 37th Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting, announced that the conference, themed “Revolutionizing Kidney Care in Nigeria: Evidence-Based Innovations,” will take place in Abuja.
The association also revealed plans to honour Shettima with the Kidney Champion Award in recognition of his advocacy and direct support for kidney patients, including funding immunosuppressants and proposing the establishment of a specialised laboratory for post-transplant care.
“We have noticed the role the Vice President is playing in looking after kidney patients in the country. He has been involved in purchasing immunosuppressants, providing post-transplant care, and even considering setting up a lab to monitor calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) levels for kidney patients. This award is a recognition of his commitment,” Olatise said.
