Vice President Kashim Shettima has highlighted a rise in reverse medical tourism in Nigeria, with patients from the United States and other nations traveling to the country for affordable and high-quality kidney transplants.
Shettima credited the increasing medical tourism to the affordability and expertise within Nigeria’s healthcare system.
During a courtesy visit by the Nigerian Association of Nephrology (NAN) at the Presidential Villa ahead of the association’s 37th Scientific Conference, he emphasized the need for more investment in specialized medical education to maintain and enhance this growth.
He said, “There is a trend of reverse medical tourism due to 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 the cost is significantly lower here, and they receive world-class expertise.”
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The Vice President commended Dr. Olalekan Olatise, Chief Medical Director of Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre, for his dedication to kidney care, describing him as “a very decent man who is highly altruistic” in his efforts to help others.
Shettima acknowledged, however, that the financial burden of treatment remains a challenge for many patients, some of whom have to sell their homes or rely on government assistance to afford transplants.
“While kidney transplants are already difficult, life after surgery presents even greater challenges. Many patients struggle with the costs of post-transplant care, especially for immunosuppressants, which are crucial for their well-being,” he added.
The Vice President also reflected on his healthcare initiatives during his tenure as Governor of Borno State, including the success of his free maternal care programs.
“At a local hospital in my neighborhood, we provide a bag of rice and beans to every new mother.
They handle about 30 births daily, even more than the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. Over 4,000 deliveries have been recorded in under eight months, with all medical costs, including caesarean sections, covered,” Shettima noted.
He reiterated the importance of building Nigeria’s medical workforce, sharing how, as governor, he sent 60 female students to study medicine in Sudan, with 58 completing their education and passing the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) licensing exams.
Many of them are now in residency programs. Shettima emphasized that training women in medicine is particularly beneficial, as they are more likely to remain in their communities to practice.
“We need to make targeted investments in specialized healthcare education in this country,” he said.
Earlier, Dr. Olatise, also the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee for the 37th Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Association of Nephrology, announced that the theme of the conference, “Revolutionizing Kidney Care in Nigeria: Evidence-Based Innovations,” will take place in Abuja.
Dr. Olatise also revealed that the association plans to honor Vice President Shettima with the Kidney Champion Award for his advocacy and direct support for kidney patients.
This includes his contributions to funding immunosuppressants and proposing the establishment of a specialized laboratory for post-transplant care.
“We have recognized the Vice President’s involvement in supporting kidney patients, including purchasing immunosuppressants and considering the creation of a lab to monitor calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) levels for kidney patients. This award is a recognition of his dedication,” Olatise explained.
