Nigeria Vice President Kashim Shettima has highlighted a growing trend of reverse medical tourism in Nigeria, with patients from the United States and other countries seeking high-quality and cost-effective kidney transplants in the nation’s 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 shift to Nigeria’s affordability and medical expertise in nephrology and kidney transplants.
“There is reverse medical tourism these days fundamentally because of the level 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, and they receive the same level of expertise available anywhere in the world,” the Vice President said.
Shettima praised Dr. Olalekan Olatise, the 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.
Despite the progress in kidney transplants, the Vice President acknowledged the financial burden on patients, many of whom sell their homes or depend on government support to afford the procedures. He emphasized the challenges of post-transplant care, particularly the cost of immunosuppressant drugs, which are essential for patient survival.
“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 noted.
Shettima also spoke on his past healthcare initiatives, recalling his tenure as Governor of Borno State, where he launched free maternal care programs and facilitated medical education for young women.
“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.
He further emphasized the need for deliberate investment in specialized healthcare education, recalling how he sponsored 60 female students to study medicine in Sudan, with 58 completing their education and now serving in Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
“We must make deliberate and targeted investments in specialized healthcare education in this country,” Shettima stressed.
Earlier, Dr. Olatise, who also serves as the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee 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 from February 19-21, 2025.
The association also revealed plans to honor Vice President 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 specialized laboratory for post-transplant care.
