Kehinde Fajobi
Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday claimed that Nigeria is experiencing a rise in “reverse medical tourism,” with patients from the United States and other countries choosing Nigerian hospitals for affordable, high-quality kidney transplants.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Nigerian Association of Nephrology (NAN) at the Presidential Villa, Shettima attributed this trend to the expertise of Nigerian doctors and the lower cost of procedures.
“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,” he said.
He commended Dr. Olalekan Olatise, Chief Medical Director of Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre, for his contributions to kidney care, calling him “a very decent man who is highly altruistic.”
Despite this progress, Shettima acknowledged the financial burden on transplant patients, many of whom struggle to afford post-operative care.
“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 said.
Shettima recalled healthcare initiatives he introduced as Borno State governor, including a maternal care programme that provided food to new mothers.
“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 also emphasised the need for Nigeria to train more medical professionals, noting that he sponsored 60 female students to study medicine in Sudan during his time as governor.
“About 58 of them completed their education and passed the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) licensing exams. Most of them are now in their medical residency programmes.
“The beauty of training women in medicine is that they are more likely to stay back and serve their communities.
“We must make deliberate and targeted investments in specialised healthcare education in this country,” he added.
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Earlier, Dr. Olatise, who also chairs the Local Organising Committee for NAN’s 37th Scientific Conference, announced plans to honour Shettima with the Kidney Champion Award for his advocacy and support for kidney patients.
“We have noticed the role the Vice President is playing in looking after kidney patients in the country. He has been involved in purchasing immunosuppressants, providing post-transplant care, and even considering setting up a lab to monitor calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) levels for kidney patients. This award is a recognition of his commitment,” Olatise said.
The conference, themed Revolutionizing Kidney Care in Nigeria: Evidence-Based Innovations, will be held in Abuja from February 19-21, 2025, with over 600 participants expected.