Shettima Announces How 13 US Citizens Came to Nigeria for Cheap Kidney Transplant, Details Emerge
- Vice President Kashim Shettima revealed that 13 US patients recently travelled to Nigeria for kidney transplants, citing affordability and high medical expertise.
- While highlighting Nigeria’s growing medical reputation, Shettima noted that many transplant patients struggle with post-surgery costs, including essential medications.
- Shettima emphasized the need for sustained investment in specialized medical education and infrastructure to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system.
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FCT, Abuja - Vice President Kashim Shettima has highlighted a growing trend of reverse medical tourism, revealing that 13 patients from the United States recently travelled to Nigeria for kidney transplants.
He noted that this development was due to the country’s affordability and high-quality medical expertise.
Source: Twitter
Shettima made the revelation on Thursday, February 6, at the Presidential Villa while receiving members of the Nigerian Association of Nephrology (NAN) ahead of their 37th Scientific Conference, The Punch reported
He emphasized the need for sustained investment in specialized medical education to enhance Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Speaking on the recent medical influx, the Vice President noted that Nigeria is becoming a preferred destination for kidney transplants, citing the expertise available at local medical institutions.
“There is reverse medical tourism these days, fundamentally because of the level of care at some of our hospitals.
“Recently, thirteen patients from the United States came to Nigeria for kidney transplants at Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre because it is much cheaper here, and they receive the same level of expertise available anywhere in the world," Shettima said.
He commended Dr. Olalekan Olatise, the Chief Medical Director of Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre, for his contributions to kidney care, describing him as “a very decent man who is highly altruistic” in his dedication to saving lives.
Shettima bemoans financial burdens on kidney transplant
Despite the success stories, Shettima acknowledged the financial challenges associated with kidney transplants, stressing that post-surgery care remains a significant burden for many patients.
“While getting a kidney transplant is a significant challenge, life after a transplant presents even more difficulties. Many patients struggle with the cost of post-transplant care, including immunosuppressants, which are essential to maintaining their health,” he noted.
Strengthening Nigeria’s Healthcare Workforce
Shettima also recounted his administration’s past healthcare initiatives, particularly during his tenure as Governor of Borno state.
He highlighted ongoing free maternal care programs and efforts to boost medical education, Vanguard reported.
“At a hospital in my neighborhood, we provide a bag of rice and beans to every new mother. They record about 30 births daily, more than even the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH). Over 4,000 deliveries have been recorded in less than eight months, with all medical expenses covered, including caesarean sections,” he stated.
The Vice President further emphasized the need to invest in medical education, revealing an initiative he spearheaded in Borno State.
Call for Investment in Specialized Medical Education
Shettima’s remarks underscored the importance of strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system to sustain its growing reputation as a medical tourism hub.
He urged continued investments in medical education, infrastructure, and post-transplant care to build on the nation’s successes in specialized treatment areas.
Ali Pate: Foreigners now come to Nigeria for quality healthcare
Previously, Legit.ng reported that Ali Pate, Nigeria’s coordinating minister of health and social welfare, has claimed that citizens from the United Kingdom, the United States, and the West African subregion are increasingly seeking medical care in Nigeria.
Speaking on Tuesday, February 4, after a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu, Pate stated that the government’s healthcare investments were beginning to yield positive results.
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Source: Legit.ng
