From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Medical doctors have called for innovative solutions to curb the rising trend of medical tourism, where Nigerians seek treatment abroad due to local healthcare challenges.
The call was made during the 2025 IMSA Medical Week, organised by Nisa Medical Group in collaboration with the Institute of Medical Sciences Africa (IMSA) in Abuja.
Dr Ibrahim Wada, CEO of Nisa Medical Group, advocated increased investment in research to create a system enabling Nigerian doctors abroad to practise seamlessly in Nigeria. This, he said, would improve access to quality care for more people, reducing the need for overseas treatment. “And so the flaws of our own system is what is driving the people abroad: lack of the correct quality of expertise, the total management space, and things like stable electricity, which have been overcome in many other parts of the world,” he stated.
Wada emphasised prevention, lifestyle changes, and early detection, alongside developing facilities for advanced procedures like open-heart surgeries and kidney transplants. He noted that the IMSA Medical Week brought diaspora doctors to Nigeria to deliver high-quality care locally, aiming to reverse medical tourism.
Dr Austin Osemeka, a US-based medical expert, highlighted the urgency of addressing medical tourism. “It’s okay that you choose where you want to go have your healthcare. However, what if we can bring healthcare to you?” he said, noting that diaspora doctors are committed to returning to provide care in Nigeria.
The 2025 IMSA Medical Week facilitated collaboration between US-based and local Nigerian doctors, sharing global best practices and conducting specialised consultations to strengthen local healthcare.