In a significant push towards establishing itself as a premier destination for medical tourism, Lagos State has reported that Nigerians spent approximately $2.39 million on foreign healthcare services from January to September 2024. This figure, revealed in a recent report by the Central Bank of Nigeria, indicates a slight decline from the $3.45 million spent during the same period in 2023.
Prof. Akin Abayomi, Lagos State's Commissioner for Health, emphasized the government's commitment to enhancing the local healthcare system. Speaking at the Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency's World Patient Safety Day event, he stated that the Lagos State Government is dedicated to implementing innovative solutions aimed at improving healthcare delivery.
Abayomi noted, “We have a mandate from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to meet ambitious targets, including establishing universal healthcare coverage in this mega city and making Lagos the number one destination for medical tourism in Nigeria, West Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa.” This vision is supported by ongoing efforts to foster a safe and effective healthcare environment.
In tandem with state initiatives, Dr. Iziaq Salako, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, highlighted the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening the tertiary healthcare system. He assured that critical medical services, such as kidney transplantation, will soon be more accessible within Nigeria, reducing the need for citizens to seek care abroad.
President Bola Tinubu's administration has launched the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority-Healthcare Expansion Programme, aimed at improving healthcare access and quality. This initiative includes retraining 120,000 frontline health workers and establishing ten world-class healthcare facilities across Nigeria, specializing in oncology and diagnostics. These advancements are expected to significantly reduce outbound medical tourism and position Nigeria as a healthcare hub in Africa.
As Lagos continues to develop its healthcare landscape, the focus remains on delivering high-quality services that meet the needs of its citizens, ultimately transforming the region into a sought-after destination for medical tourism.