At Alliance Hospital in Abuja on Friday, January 12, the advisor to the hospital Dr. Christopher Otabor expressed happiness over the drastic reduction of medical tourism in the country even though the reason behind it isn’t a positive one.
In an interview, Otabor explained that the reason behind Nigerians decision to look for the best alternative healthcare due to financial restraint was because of the present economic situation.
"Medical tourism has reduced. I mean people going out of the country for medical care have reduced drastically largely because of the present economic situation. People now find it difficult to access medical tourism. So, the question in the lips of people now is, what is the best alternative? That is where people like us have found ourselves being busier now than before," he said.
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He also went on to explain that, "Even the government offices are now looking for alternatives and people don't have the money. Businesses are not doing so well and they don't have free money to sponsor their medical trips abroad, so people have to look for where it can be done in Nigeria and we are seeing more of those cases."
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Dr. Biodun Ogungbo is a consultant neurosurgeon at the Brain and Spine Surgery Clinic in Abuja and agreed that he has seen more people consult for health issues at his private practice than previously.
He said, "Many also confess that they had considered travel abroad as a first choice. The limiting step most say is the cost of care abroad and so the pressure is to find a credible alternative locally."
"In general, the health seeking behavior of Nigerians is poor and many present late. Sadly, it seems that this is worse now more than ever, as people try all sorts first, before coming to the hospital. Even those who can afford health care are presenting later than would be expected. They are making health less of a priority."
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Ogungbo also spoke saying health care must be easily accessible and affordable for the ordinary Nigerian and all Nigerian patients want is good quality health care provided in a safe environment.
Meanwhile, Dr. Otabor has noted that the harsh economy somehow has been of benefit other sectors of the country's economy, not just the health sector, including agriculture and local manufacturing industries.
