Vice President Kashim Shettima has revealed that thirteen patients from the United States recently traveled to Nigeria for kidney transplants at Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre, highlighting a growing trend of reverse medical tourism in the country.
Speaking on Thursday during a courtesy visit by the Nigerian Association of Nephrology (NAN) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Shettima attributed the increasing number of foreign patients seeking treatment in Nigeria to the affordability and high-quality expertise available in the country’s medical sector.
“There is reverse medical tourism these days 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,” he said.While praising Dr. Olalekan Olatise, the Chief Medical Director of Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre, for his contributions to kidney care, Shettima acknowledged the financial burden on patients undergoing transplants.
“Many patients sell their homes or rely on government support to afford kidney transplants. However, life after a transplant is even more difficult due to the high cost of post-transplant care, especially immunosuppressants, which are essential for maintaining their health,” he noted.The Vice President emphasized the need for increased investment in specialized medical education to sustain Nigeria’s progress in healthcare. He recalled his time as Governor of Borno State, where he sponsored 60 female students to study medicine in Sudan.
“About 58 of them completed their education and passed the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) licensing exams. Most of them are now in medical residency programs. Training female doctors is beneficial, as they are more likely to stay and serve their communities,” he stated.Dr. Olatise, who also serves as the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 37th Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Association of Nephrology, announced that the event will take place in Abuja from February 19-21, 2025.
He further disclosed that the association will honor Vice President Shettima with the Kidney Champion Award for his advocacy and direct support for kidney patients, including funding immunosuppressants and proposing the establishment of a specialized laboratory for post-transplant care.
“The Vice President has been actively supporting kidney patients, including purchasing immunosuppressants and considering setting up a lab to monitor post-transplant treatment. This award is in recognition of his commitment,” Olatise said.The conference is expected to attract over 600 participants, including Nigerian medical professionals based abroad, pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, and dialysis equipment manufacturers.
As part of its commitment to improving healthcare access, Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre recently partnered with Usmanu University Teaching Hospital in Sokoto to successfully perform a kidney transplant.
