Blood disorder: Expert seeks establishment of Haematology Hospitals to discourage medical tourism

A Haematologist, Dr Yashim Andrew, has urged the Federal Government to establish Haematology Hospitals in the country for the treatment of blood disorder and to discourage out flux of patients to other countries for medical treatment.
READ ALSO: FG to discourage medical tourism, plans six specialised centres

Andrew, a fellow of the West African Post Graduate College of Medical Laboratory Science made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Thursday.
According to the haematologist, who is also a Consultant Medical Laboratory Scientist at the National Hospital, Abuja, the establishment of a haematology hospital would address the plight of patients, provide best treatment and management as well as reduce the cost of treatment of any form of blood disorder.
He added that many blood diseases and disorders such as haemophilia and sickle cell anaemia were caused by genes, diseases, side effects of some drugs and lack of certain nutrients in diet.
“Our main challenge in the treatment of any blood-related disease or disorder is the non-existence of facilities, and support from the government.
“Let government rise up to this challenge that is ravaging our people by setting up haematology hospitals, where special cases on haematology can be handled and medical personnel such as doctors, pharmacists, lab scientists, nurses, and others could be trained.
“After the training, they will be able to take care of these patients and they will be okay,’’ he said.
He further said that establishment of haematology hospitals as well as equipping health care facilities across the country would reduce the out flux of health professionals to other countries and reduce medical tourism.
“There is no reason for medical tourism because we have the manpower, but no political will to make the sector thrive by providing facilities needed to address major health challenges.
“The money spent on medical tourism would have been diverted toward the execution of meaningful projects in the country that would be beneficial to the people not just in the health sector but others as well,’’ he said.