Former Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK, Sarafa Tunji Isola, has dismissed the concept of medical tourism as “non-existent” and “politicized”. Isola made this statement during the 2025 Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Islamic Medical Association of Nigeria (IMAN) in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The conference theme, “The Training of Muslim Healthcare Professionals: Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges”, aimed to address challenges faced by Muslim healthcare practitioners.

Isola argued that the term “medical tourism” has become unfairly associated with public officials, while private individuals are not held to the same standard. He emphasized that seeking medical treatment abroad due to lack of expertise or technology in Nigeria is a personal choice, rather than “medical tourism”. Isola cited examples of patients from Saudi Arabia receiving treatment at the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan, questioning whether this would be considered “medical tourism”.

The former envoy attributed the phenomenon of seeking medical care abroad to technological advancements and varying levels of medical expertise between countries. He encouraged public officials to prioritize improving healthcare facilities in Nigeria. Professor Ibrahim Uthman, from the University of Ibadan, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the need for Muslim healthcare practitioners to acquire new skills and knowledge to better serve patients.

The State Chairman of IMAN, Dr. Ibrahim Opeewe, noted that the conference focused on addressing the welfare of members through medical outreaches, including free eye and dental screenings, and medications. The association expressed its readiness to partner with individuals and institutions to provide healthcare services to state residents. The conference emphasized the importance of continuous training for Muslim healthcare practitioners to understand and accommodate patients’ faith commitments, and to address challenges such as stigmatization and Islamophobia.