Nigeria Set To Become Destination For Medical Tourists- FG

The Nigerian government says the country is set to become a destination for medical tourists.

The Information and Culture Minister, Alhaji Lai Mohammed disclosed this on Tuesday when he embarked on a guided tour of the Duchess International Hospital facility located in Ikeja, Lagos, South West Nigeria.

 The Minister said the services coming from the facility will cut down the 500 billion naira Nigerians spend on medical tourism annually, a move that will conserve foreign reserve and increase foreign exchange.

The philosophy of the Duchess International hospital is to bring a world class health care at an affordable rate while still maintaining the elite standard by so doing, medical tourism trend will reduce in Nigeria.

The Minister said the Federal Government, through the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Bank of Industry, provided financial support for Duchess International Hospital.

Recall also that in the wake of Covid-19, the CBN set up the N100 billion Healthcare Sector Intervention Fund, now expanded to N200 billion, to provide credit support for the healthcare sector through long-term, low-cost financing.

Also the Federal Government’s Intervention in the Healthcare Sector through the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA).

According to him, the essence of these financial interventions and projects in the critical healthcare sector is to fast-track world class healthcare facilities like this Duchess International Hospital.

According to available records, Nigerians spend between USD1.2 and USD1.6 billion on medical tourism.

The CEO of the Duchess International Hospital, Dr. Tokunbo Shita Bay said the target is basically to reduce medical tourism and at the same  time provide world class, yet affordable health care services for families and the community.

He said the management of the facility will ensure competitiveness with the highest standard because it is a clarion call to service.

The facility provides world class treatment in in many areas, including emergency medicine, women’s health, pediatric care, cardiovascular medicine, kidney dialysis, dental treatment, eye care, and many others.