Chris Okpoko
According to recent media reports, President Tinubu, while in Owerri, Imo State, where he inaugurated some development projects that Governor Hope Uzodimma’s administration completed, said, “I have always believed in good governance. Today, Nigerians can say confidently that we have well-equipped hospitals, and we can treat critical illnesses such as cancer and other illnesses.”
Although he has repeatedly sought medical treatment abroad, President Bola Tinubu boasted that Nigeria has well-equipped hospitals capable of handling “critical illnesses,” including cancer.
His remarks, however, came amid criticism of his frequent trips abroad. Since assuming office in 2023, the president has travelled to France multiple times for medical check-ups, a trend that has raised concerns about his confidence in Nigeria’s healthcare system despite his assurances of improvement.
If the President believes that Nigeria now has well-equipped hospitals, he must take decisive action to reinforce this belief by banning medical tourism abroad. Medical tourism, which involves individuals seeking healthcare services outside their home country, has often resulted in a significant outflow of funds, starving the local healthcare system of the investment it desperately requires.
The prohibition on the importation of specific items due to local production capabilities serves as a parallel that could be applied to the medical sector. Just as these policies were implemented to bolster domestic industries, similar measures concerning healthcare can ensure that Nigerians seek treatment within their borders. By encouraging citizens to utilize local healthcare facilities, not only can the quality of care improve, but also can vital funds remain circulating within the economy.
Moreover, implementing a ban on medical tourism would send a powerful message about the government’s commitment to developing the healthcare system. If the President genuinely believes in the advancements made within Nigerian hospitals, taking such a step would reinforce public trust and encourage further investment in the sector. This would ultimately lead to improved healthcare outcomes and a healthier population, setting a strong foundation for Nigeria’s future.
Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) quarterly statistical bulletins in the “Health-Related and Social Services” category shows that cumulative outflows of foreign exchange (forex) from June 2015 to May 2023, at least $29.29 billion, were spent on foreign medical treatment by Nigerians, translating to a yearly spend of about $3.6 billion. From January to June 2024, Nigerians spent $2.38 million on foreign healthcare-related services.
Nigerian elites often bypass local healthcare facilities, choosing to travel abroad for medical treatment due to a severe lack of trust in the domestic health system. This behavior highlights deep systemic failures, including underfunded and poorly equipped public hospitals, inadequate staff, and a widespread perception of unreliability. This phenomenon, known as medical tourism, has significant economic and social consequences for Nigeria.
As First Lady of Nigeria, Aisha Buhari consistently discussed the need for improved healthcare facilities, criticizing deficiencies at the State House Clinic and advocating for greater private sector investment. Her advocacy led to the construction of a new presidential wing at the State House Medical Centre, which she championed as a way to end foreign medical trips for leaders.
In 2017, Mrs. Buhari publicly admonished the Chief Medical Director of the State House Clinic for the poor condition of its facilities and lack of essential equipment such as syringes. She revealed that when she fell ill, she had to seek treatment at a private clinic because the X-ray machine at the State House Clinic was not working. Following her husband’s extended medical stays in London, Mrs. Buhari strongly criticized the inefficiency that coerced Nigerian leaders to seek medical treatment abroad despite having a budget for the local clinic.
In 2023, Mrs. Buhari expressed fulfillment at the inauguration of a new ₦21 billion presidential wing at the State House Medical Centre. After her husband’s 90-day medical trip abroad, she stated that with the state-of-the-art facility, future presidents and their families would no longer need to travel for medical care. The facility, completed in 2022, is designed to serve the medical needs of the president, vice president, and their families. If the State House Clinic could be deficient as described by Buhari, what should we expect from general hospitals and federal medical centres?
However, truth must be told, the state of healthcare in the nation has been a source of concern for many years. Despite significant investments and policies aimed at improving health outcomes, the system faces numerous challenges that impede progress. This article explores the current state of healthcare in Nigeria, the impact of medical tourism on the healthcare system, and potential strategies for reforming and strengthening the sector.
The healthcare system in Nigeria is a complex interplay of public and private institutions. It operates at three key levels: primary, secondary, and tertiary care. Primary healthcare centers offer basic services and preventive care, secondary hospitals handle more specialized treatments, while tertiary care facilities provide advanced medical services. Despite this structured framework, the healthcare system suffers from severe deficiencies.
The government funds public healthcare, but inadequate budget allocations lead to poorly equipped facilities, a shortage of essential medicines, and insufficient staffing. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that countries allocate at least 15% of their annual budgets to health, but Nigeria consistently falls short of this target. In 2025, Nigeria allocated ₦2.48 trillion or 5.18% of its budget to health, reflecting systemic neglect. The figure falls short of the 15% target set by the Abuja Declaration and is considered by experts to be significantly low for improving health outcomes.
Several critical challenges contribute to the declining state of healthcare in Nigeria:
Infrastructure Deficiencies: Many healthcare facilities are outdated and lack the necessary equipment. Hospitals often struggle with power outages, non-functioning medical devices, and poor sanitation, which adversely affect patient care.
Human Resource Shortages: A significant shortage of healthcare professionals exists in Nigeria. A 2018 WHO report indicated that Nigeria had just 0.2 doctors per 1,000 people, far below the global average of 1.5. This shortage results in high patient-to-doctor ratios, which overwhelm existing staff and compromise the quality of healthcare.
Corruption and Mismanagement: Corruption is rampant within the Nigerian health sector, leading to the embezzlement of funds intended for healthcare delivery. Mismanagement of resources further exacerbates the issues, as limited funds are often squandered rather than directed towards essential services.
Lack of Universal Health Coverage: Although the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) was established to promote access to healthcare, many Nigerians remain uninsured. The scheme covers only a small fraction of the population, leaving the majority reliant on out-of-pocket expenditures, which can exacerbate poverty and reduce access to care.
Medical tourism, the practice of traveling abroad for medical treatment, has grown in popularity among Nigeria’s elite. This trend poses significant implications for the country’s healthcare system.
Firstly, it highlights the inadequacies of local healthcare services. When influential individuals choose to seek treatment abroad, they inadvertently reflect the lack of confidence in Nigeria’s healthcare system. This has led to a brain drain wherein skilled healthcare professionals migrate to more developed countries in search of better opportunities, further depleting the sector of vital human resources.
Moreover, medical tourism drains the country’s valuable financial resources. Wealthy Nigerians traveling abroad for treatment divert funds that could have been invested in improving local healthcare infrastructure. This situation perpetuates a cycle of underinvestment in the healthcare system, leading to further deterioration of services.
To enhance the healthcare system in Nigeria and combat the trend of medical tourism, several strategies must be implemented:
Increased Funding: The Nigerian government must commit to allocating at least 15% of its annual budget to health. Increased funding would facilitate the purchase of medical equipment, the renovation of healthcare facilities, and the expansion of services.
Infrastructure Development: Investing in healthcare infrastructure is crucial. Upgrading hospitals and clinics will not only enhance service delivery but also instill confidence in the local healthcare system. Collaboration with private sector partners can help facilitate this development.
Training and Retaining Healthcare Professionals: To address the shortage of healthcare workers, the government must invest in training programs that enhance the skills of existing staff and encourage new entrants into the profession. Incentives such as competitive salaries, scholarships, and career advancement opportunities could help retain talent in the country.
Strengthening Health Insurance Programs: Expanding the NHIS to include more citizens would lessen the financial burden of healthcare expenses. Making health insurance affordable and accessible can improve health-seeking behavior among the population, ensuring that more individuals receive timely care.
Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating the populace about available healthcare services and promoting trust in local providers is essential. Public awareness campaigns can dispel misconceptions concerning the effectiveness of local treatments, encouraging individuals to seek care domestically instead of traveling abroad.
In conclusion, the state of healthcare in Nigeria embodies a multitude of challenges that require urgent attention. The ongoing issues of inadequate infrastructure, scarcity of human resources, rampant corruption, and the prevalence of medical tourism underscore the need for comprehensive reforms.
By focusing on increased funding, improving infrastructure, retaining healthcare professionals, expanding health insurance, and raising public awareness, Nigeria can develop a robust healthcare system capable of serving its population effectively. With concerted efforts from the government, private sector, and civil society, we have a tremendous opportunity to transform the healthcare landscape, ensuring that all Nigerians receive the quality care they deserve without seeking treatment abroad.