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Vice-President Kashim Shettima has stated that patients from the United States (US) and other nations are flocking to Nigerian hospitals for affordable and high-quality kidney transplants.
Shettima made this observation during a courtesy visit from the Nigerian Association of Nephrology at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, in anticipation of the association's 37th Scientific Conference.
He noted that Nigeria is experiencing a rise in reverse medical tourism. The Vice-President linked the choice of Nigeria for medical treatment to the cost-effectiveness and the high-quality expertise available within the nation's healthcare sector.
He emphasized the necessity for additional investments in specialized medical education to maintain this advancement.
"Currently, there is a trend of reverse medical tourism primarily due to the standard of care offered in some of our hospitals. Recently, 13 patients from the United States traveled to Nigeria for kidney transplants at Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre, as it is significantly less expensive here. They received the same level of expertise that one would find anywhere else globally," Shettima remarked.
The Vice-President praised Dr. Olalekan Olatise, Chief Medical Director of Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre, for his efforts in kidney care, describing Olatise as "a truly decent and highly altruistic individual" in his mission to aid humanity.
However, Shettima also pointed out the financial burden on patients, many of whom have to sell their homes or depend on government assistance to afford the transplants.
"While undergoing a kidney transplant poses considerable challenges, life following the transplant presents even greater hardships. Many patients struggle with the expenditure of post-transplant care, such as immunosuppressants, which are crucial for their well-being," he explained.
The Vice-President reminisced about health initiatives he had launched during his time as Governor of Borno and the success of ongoing free maternal care programs he established.
"At a local hospital, we provide a bag of rice and beans to every new mother. They document around 30 births daily, exceeding even the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH). Over 4,000 deliveries have been recorded in less than eight months, all medical costs covered, including caesarean sections," Shettima added.
He reiterated the importance of building Nigeria's medical workforce, mentioning that during his governorship in Borno, he sent 60 female students to study Medicine in Sudan.
"Approximately 58 of them completed their studies and passed the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) licensing exams. Most are currently in their medical residency programs.
The advantage of training women in medicine is that they are more likely to return and contribute to their communities. We must deliberately invest in specialized healthcare education in this country," the Vice-President asserted.
Earlier, Dr. Olatise mentioned that the conference, themed "Revolutionising Kidney Care in Nigeria: Evidence-Based Innovations," is set to occur in Abuja from February 19 to February 21.
Olatise, who chairs the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 37th Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting of the association, announced plans to honor Shettima with the Kidney Champion Award in acknowledgment of his advocacy and support for kidney patients, including funding for immunosuppressants and proposing a specialized laboratory for post-transplant care.
"We have recognized the Vice President's role in caring for kidney patients in the country.
He has participated in the procurement of immunosuppressants, facilitated post-transplant care, and is even contemplating the establishment of a lab to monitor calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) levels for kidney patients. This award is a token of his commitment," Olatise stated.
Among the delegation were Secretary of LOC, Dr. Adegboyega Faponle, and the association's Treasurer, Dr. Manmak Mamven.
