Nigeria experiencing surge in reverse medical tourism – VP Shettima

…calls for more investment in specialized medical education

By Kunle Sanni

Vice President Kashim Shettima has observed that Nigeria is witnessing a surge in reverse medical tourism, with patients from the United States and other countries choosing Nigerian hospitals for affordable, high-quality kidney transplants.

He attributed this shift to the affordability and expertise available within the country’s medical community.

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, VP Shettima emphasized the need for further investment in specialized medical education to sustain this progress.

“There is reverse medical tourism these days, fundamentally because of the quality of care at some of our hospitals. Recently, thirteen patients from the United States came to Nigeria for kidney transplants at Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre because it is much cheaper here, yet they receive the same level of expertise available anywhere in the world.”

VP Shettima praised Dr. Olalekan Olatise, Chief Medical Director of Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre, for his contributions to kidney care, describing him as “a highly altruistic and dedicated professional” committed to improving healthcare.

However, he acknowledged the financial burden on patients, many of whom sell their homes or rely on government assistance to afford transplants.

“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, especially immunosuppressants, which are essential for maintaining their health.”

The Vice President recalled healthcare initiatives from his tenure as Governor of Borno State, including free maternal care programs that continue to benefit thousands.

“At a hospital in my neighborhood, we provide a bag of rice and beans to every new mother. They record about 30 births daily, surpassing even the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH). In less than eight months, the facility has recorded over 4,000 deliveries, with all medical expenses covered, including caesarean sections.”

Shettima also emphasized the importance of training medical professionals, citing an initiative during his governorship where 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 are now in medical residency programs. Training women in medicine ensures they are more likely to stay and serve their communities.

“We must make deliberate and targeted investments in specialized healthcare education in this country.”

Earlier, Dr. Olatise, who also serves as Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the 37th Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Association of Nephrology, announced that the event will take place in Abuja from February 19–21, 2025, under the theme:

“Revolutionizing Kidney Care in Nigeria: Evidence-Based Innovations.”

The association also revealed plans to honor Vice President Shettima with the Kidney Champion Award for his advocacy and direct support for kidney patients, including funding immunosuppressants and proposing the establishment of a specialized laboratory for post-transplant care.

“We have observed the Vice President’s commitment to kidney patients in Nigeria. He has been involved in purchasing immunosuppressants, supporting post-transplant care, and considering setting up a laboratory to monitor calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) levels for kidney patients.

“This award is a recognition of his dedication,” Dr. Olatise said.

The conference is expected to attract over 600 participants, including Nigerian medical professionals abroad, pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, and manufacturers of dialysis consumables.

As part of its commitment to expanding healthcare access, Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre recently partnered with Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, to successfully perform a kidney transplant.

Other members of the visiting delegation included Dr. Adegboyega Faponle, Secretary of the LOC, and Dr. Manmak Mamven, Treasurer of NAN.