CurrentReport Blog The Federal government recently announced significant strides in Nigeria’s healthcare system, citing a surge in foreign patients, particularly from India, seeking medical treatments within the country. In an exclusive interview, Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of State for Health, expressed confidence in the country’s healthcare landscape, asserting that it is no longer in crisis.
Dr. Alausa highlighted a notable trend coined as the ‘japa syndrome’ reversal, indicating a return of medical personnel from abroad to serve within Nigeria’s improving healthcare infrastructure. He emphasized Nigeria’s emergence as a preferred destination for medical tourism, particularly for surgical procedures, offering cost-effective alternatives compared to other nations.
One significant factor contributing to this trend is the proliferation of aesthetic hospitals, numbering close to 900 nationwide. These facilities cater to a growing demand for services such as plastic surgery, attracting both local and international patients seeking quality healthcare solutions.
Underpinning these advancements is the government’s unwavering commitment to prioritize public health. Dr. Alausa reiterated the administration’s dedication to enhancing primary healthcare services and expanding health insurance coverage, with a mandate to increase coverage from seven million to 50 million people within the next few years.