The
Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) said on Sunday that Nigeria was
losing some $800 million (about N125 billion) annually to medical
tourism.
The National President of the NMA, Dr Osahon Enabulele,
made the announcement in Sokoto at a news conference at the end of the
National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the association.
According to him, no fewer than 5,000 Nigerians travel to India annually for medical tourism.
“That
is why we are commending Gov. Idris Wada of Kogi State for heeding our
advice when he had an accident and he stayed back in Nigeria for
treatment.
“ Other public and political office holders should
emulate him and have confidence that there are adequate medical manpower
and facilities in Nigeria.
“There is therefore, the urgent need for investments in the nation’s healthcare system.’’
Enabulele
urged President Goodluck Jonathan, governors and other top public
officials as well as political office holders to emulate the Kogi
governor.
“If this is done, the high rate of capital plight used
for medical tourism would be curbed and Nigerians should only travel for
treatment when it becomes absolutely necessary.’’
Enabulele said that the association was fully committed to taking the nation’s health sector to greater heights.
The
medical practitioner said that 3,700 patients were attended to in
Tambuwal, Wamakko and Gwadabawa communities during the three-day free
medical outreach programme, which ended on Aug.28 in Sokoto State.
He
said that no fewer than 98 free surgical operations were conducted in
three Local Government Areas of the state during the programme. (NAN)
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/09/nigeria-loses-800m-to-medical-tourism-yearly-nma/#sthash.u0WbvDpl.dpuf
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