Nigeria Aims to End Medical Tourism with Improved Healthcare System
Nigeria is working towards establishing a healthcare system that meets international standards, thereby reducing the need for medical tourism. According to Senator Barau I. Jibrin, Deputy President of the Senate, the goal is to create hospitals that provide world-class care, eliminating the need for Nigerians to travel abroad for medical treatment.
Senator Jibrin made this statement during an inspection of seven major projects at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), which he facilitated as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The projects aim to strengthen the nation’s health institutions and provide specialized medical care. The initiatives include the construction and equipping of a cardiothoracic centre, paediatrics complex, and classrooms and offices for the School of Health Information Management (SHIM), as well as the construction of a student hostel at the College of Nursing Sciences.
The senator emphasized that Nigeria has the human resources and expertise to transform its health sector with proper investment. He noted that the ongoing projects at AKTH are designed to upgrade the hospital into a more advanced and specialized medical centre, capable of providing world-class care. Senator Jibrin was accompanied by four senators during the inspection and assured that the National Assembly will continue to support the executive through legislation and oversight to ensure the success of reforms in the health sector.
The Chief Medical Director of AKTH, Prof. Abdurrahman Abba Sheshe, commended Senator Jibrin for his contributions, stating that the projects will greatly improve healthcare delivery and learning at the hospital. Similarly, the Vice Chancellor of Bayero University Kano (BUK), Prof. Haruna Musa, expressed appreciation for the senator’s commitment, noting that he has already attracted two major projects to the university within two months of his assumption of office.
The development of AKTH is a significant step towards achieving Nigeria’s goal of providing a strong and accessible healthcare system for all citizens. With continued investment and support, the country aims to reduce its reliance on medical tourism and become a hub for specialized medical care in West Africa. The success of these initiatives will depend on the collaboration between the executive, legislative, and healthcare sectors, as well as the commitment to providing quality healthcare services that meet international standards.