Nigeria risks annual loss of over $1.1bn to outbound medical tourism–Dep Speaker
By Msugh Ityokura
The Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu has warned that Nigeria risks the dual challenge of declining international health aid and the annual loss of over $1.1 billion to outbound medical tourism.
It is as a result of this that the 10th House of Representatives has regarded health as central to national security, human capital development and economic progress.
He spoke Friday, in Abuja while receiving on a courtesy visit, a United States, US based medical practitioner of one of the world’s foremost medical institutions, Montefiore, professor Philip Ozuah
Kalu noted that the nation’s hospitals and clinics are critical infrastructure in safeguarding lives against diseases and poor health outcomes
“Regardless of the quality of our laws or the scale of our budgets, if preventable deaths continue, if maternal mortality remains high, and if citizens cannot recover from treatable illnesses, our development remains in complete. He said
The deputy speaker noted Nigeria has made notable strides in the healthcare sector with the eradication of wild polio with maternal and child health services expanded and tertiary health institutions reaching more Nigerians than ever before under the present administration.
According to the lawmaker, government has committed to bold reforms and citizen focused policies as manifest in the 2024 national budget, allocating over ₦1.33 trillion to the health sector, the largest in the nation’s history.
“Yet, budgets alone do not deliver outcomes; resilient systems do. These systems must be purposefully designed, adequately equipped, and consistently strengthened through clear policy, sustained investment and innovative partnerships”.
Consequently, the 10th National Assembly has taken significant steps to ensure mandatory healthcare coverage while basic health care provision Fund has been expanded to support primary healthcare nationwide.
“Representing the South East, a region still healing from the legacy of conflict and underdevelopment, the promise of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Reconciliation (3Rs) remains only partially fulfilled. Health reform is thus a critical pillar of my legislative agenda.
“Through the PISE-P initiative, we are rebuilding primary healthcare centers, training community health workers, and developing sustainable rural healthcare delivery models. I have sponsored the South East Development Commission (SEDC) Bill to systematically address these gaps.
“My constituency projects include establishing and equipping rural health centers, organizing medical outreaches such as free eye surgeries, and providing essential equipment to under-resourced clinics. I have also championed the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities, recognizing that dignity is integral to health”.
Kalu said lasting transformation requires partnerships that harness global expertise and complement local initiatives saying Dr. Ozuah’s leadership at Montefiore Medicine offers an unparalleled opportunity to align world-class medical knowledge with Nigeria’s urgent health priorities, particularly in tackling both communicable and non communicable diseases.
He proposed a partnership with his visitor to establish a specialized Medical Research and Training Centre in Nigeria to focus on cancer, kidney disease, diabetes, infectious diseases, and medical technology innovation
The center, modeled after leading global institutions Kalu noted would require collaboration with the Federal Government and credible local investors.
He also pointed out that Nigeria’s annual medical tourism bill, which once exceeded $1.6 billion, is now trending downward saying Montefiore’s collaboration can accelerate this by developing centers of excellence that meet global standards and retain patients locally.
READ ALSO: Tinubu’s Special Envoy rallies Gambia, Senegal leaders for West Africa economic summit
Dr. Ozuah is a globally recognized pediatrician, researcher, educator, and executive who has expanded access to care for underserved communities and improved the system’s operational and financial performance welcomed Kalu’s proposals for partnership with Nigeria.
He underscored the importance of strengthening the nation’s healthcare facilities and services.
He has held roles such as Professor and Chairman of Pediatrics at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Physician in Chief of Children’s Hospital at Montefiore amongst others.
