The Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners (ANPMP) says strong political will is required to reverse medical tourism and upscale health infrastructure in the country.
ANPMP is the umbrella organisation for all medical and dental doctors in private practice either as owners or employees.
Its National President, Dr Kayode Adesola, made the assertion in an interview with NAN on Wednesday in Lagos.
Adesola noted that with deliberate and targeted health policies, Nigeria could reduce its reliance on medical tourism and establish itself as a hub for quality health services in Africa and globally.
“We need policies that will restrict leaders from seeking medical treatment abroad. If they know they are restricted to Nigeria, they will make sure they build standard hospitals that will serve everyone.
“The majority of the people, the best of the best they’re going to meet overseas are Nigerian doctors and health workers.
“We produce good doctors, nurses and health workers, however, we don’t have good facilities. It’s very paradoxical,” he said.
Adesola cited a recent report ranking the top 10 hospitals in Africa, lamenting that no Nigerian hospital featured on the list.
“Ranking on doctor quality, we ranked top of the list. So how come we have all the capable health professionals, but we are not giving them the requisite support?
“A foremost Nigerian traditional ruler while alive travelled to see a doctor in the U.S. He got to the U.S. and found out that the doctor was not available.
“He waited 10 days in his hotel room for the doctor. By the time he eventually met the doctor, it was a young Nigerian specialist who had travelled to his hometown for vacation.
“Isn’t that unfortunate. Imagine the amount spent waiting considering that traditional rulers travel with their entourage. How many Nigerians can afford to travel overseas to seek medical attention?”
Adesola urged the government to improve investment in modernising healthcare facilities, including equipment and technology, to meet international standards.
He also called for the establishment of more specialised treatment centres for conditions, such as kidney care and cancer treatment across the six geopolitical zones.
The president called for increased funding for specialised medical training programmes, improved working conditions and welfare for healthcare workers to attract and retain top medical talent in the country.
Data shows that Nigerians spent over $1 billion annually on foreign medical treatment, while N1.336 trillion was budgeted for the 2024 national health budget.