Nigeria loses $1.2 billion annually to medical tourism – TAN

By Sola Omoniyi, Lagos

The President of the Transplant Association of Nigeria (TAN), Dr. Olalekan Olatise, has said that the country loses about $1.2 billion annually to medical tourism.

He made the disclosure at the weekend, during a visit to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu.

Dr. Olatise said that the high cost of medical care in Nigeria is a major factor driving people to seek treatment abroad. He also cited the lack of adequate infrastructure and skilled medical personnel as contributing factors.

The Deputy Speaker, Hon. Kalu, expressed concern over the rising cases of organ failure in Nigeria. He said that it is not only a medical concern, but also a societal one. He also commended the TAN for its efforts to raise awareness of organ donation and transplantation.

Hon. Kalu assured the TAN that the House of Representatives is committed to addressing the issue of medical tourism. He said that the legislature would work with the TAN and other relevant stakeholders to create a more conducive environment for organ transplantation in Nigeria.

He also said that the House would enact necessary legislation to make it easier for people to donate organs. He believed that this will help to reduce the number of Nigerians who travel abroad for medical treatment.

The TAN and the House of Representatives had agreed to work together to raise awareness of organ donation and transplantation in Nigeria. They believed that this is a critical step in addressing the problem of medical tourism.

The TAN had also called on the government to provide more funding for healthcare in Nigeria. They believed that this is essential if the country is to reduce its reliance on medical tourism.