Vice President Kashim Shettima has said Nigeria is seeing a rise in reverse medical tourism, with patients from the United States and other countries flocking to the nation’s hospitals for affordable, high-quality kidney transplants.
This surge, he said, is attributed to both the cost-effectiveness and the exceptional expertise available within the country’s medical community.
Shettima made this observation during a courtesy visit by the Nigerian Association of Nephrology (NAN) at the Presidential Villa, ahead of the association’s 37th Scientific Conference.
He pointed out that the affordability and expertise found in Nigerian healthcare facilities are key reasons why patients are increasingly choosing to seek treatment in the country.
“Recently, thirteen patients from the United States came to Nigeria for kidney transplants at Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre. The procedure is much cheaper here, and they receive the same level of expertise available anywhere in the world,” Shettima said.
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The Vice President went on to praise Dr Olalekan Olatise, Chief Medical Director of Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre, for his outstanding contributions to kidney care, calling him “a very decent man who is highly altruistic in his efforts to assist humanity.”
However, Shettima acknowledged the financial challenges many patients face, noting that some are forced to sell their homes or rely on government assistance to afford the transplants.
He also highlighted the ongoing difficulties patients encounter after the transplant, especially with the cost of post-transplant care, including immunosuppressants, which are critical for maintaining health.
“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,” Shettima stated.
The Vice President also reflected on his time as governor of Borno State, recalling healthcare initiatives such as the free maternal care programs he introduced.
He shared that one local hospital records about 30 births daily, providing medical care and essential items such as rice and beans to new mothers.
Over 4,000 deliveries have been recorded in less than eight months, with all medical expenses covered, including cesarean sections.
Shettima emphasised the importance of building Nigeria’s medical workforce, noting that as Governor of Borno, he took 60 female students to Sudan to study medicine.
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“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 programs. The beauty of training women in medicine is that they are more likely to stay back and serve their communities,” he explained.
He called for continued, targeted investments in specialized healthcare education to sustain and grow Nigeria’s medical community.
Dr Olatise, who is also the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee for the 37th Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Association of Nephrology, shared that the upcoming conference will take place in Abuja from February 19-21, 2025.
The theme of the conference is “Revolutionizing Kidney Care in Nigeria: Evidence-Based Innovations.”
In recognition of Shettima’s advocacy for kidney patients, including his funding of immunosuppressants and his proposal for the establishment of a specialized laboratory for post-transplant care, the Nigerian Association of Nephrology will honour him with the Kidney Champion Award during the conference.
