In a remarkable turn of events, thirteen patients from the United States have traveled to Nigeria for kidney transplants, a significant development that marks a growing trend in what is being termed “reverse medical tourism.” This surge, as observed by Vice President Kashim Shettima, highlights Nigeria’s growing reputation as a destination for high-quality, yet affordable medical care.
Addressing the Nigerian Association of Nephrology (NAN) during a courtesy visit at the Presidential Villa, Vice President Shettima emphasized how the country’s medical expertise is attracting patients from across the world, particularly from the United States, seeking affordable kidney transplant procedures.
Shettima noted, “There is reverse medical tourism these days fundamentally 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.”
The Vice President’s statement comes at a time when Nigeria’s medical tourism industry is gaining momentum. With state-of-the-art medical centres like Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre providing specialized services, patients are now bypassing traditional medical destinations in favour of Nigerian hospitals. This move not only demonstrates Nigeria’s improving healthcare standards but also offers a glimpse of how the country’s health sector could become a global leader in transplant surgeries.
Dr. Olalekan Olatise, the Chief Medical Director of Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre, has played an instrumental role in this medical success. He was praised by Shettima for his significant contributions to kidney care in Nigeria. “Dr. Olatise is a very decent man who is highly altruistic in his efforts to assist humanity,” Shettima remarked during the visit.
Despite the progress, Vice President Shettima highlighted the financial challenges that many patients face when undergoing kidney transplants. He noted that while the procedure itself is more affordable in Nigeria, patients often struggle with the post-transplant care, including the lifelong costs of immunosuppressant drugs essential to ensure the success of the transplant.
“Getting a kidney transplant is a significant challenge, but life after a transplant presents even more difficulties,” said Shettima. “Many patients struggle with the cost of post-transplant care, including immunosuppressants, which are essential to maintaining their health.”
Shettima, who has had hands-on experience with healthcare initiatives during his tenure as Governor of Borno State, shared insights into how such challenges are being addressed. He spoke about the free maternal care programs he introduced in Borno, where over 4,000 deliveries have been recorded in less than eight months, with all medical expenses covered, including caesarean sections.
Furthermore, the Vice President underscored the importance of building a robust medical workforce in Nigeria, particularly through specialized medical education. He reflected on his time as Governor, when he took 60 female students to study medicine in Sudan. Most of these students, he mentioned, are now progressing through their medical residency programs.
“We must make deliberate and targeted investments in specialized healthcare education in this country,” Shettima urged, emphasizing that the future of Nigeria’s medical sector lies in nurturing local talent capable of serving the country’s healthcare needs.
The growth of Nigeria’s healthcare sector, particularly in specialized areas like kidney care, also reflects a broader ambition to transform the country into a global medical hub. In recognition of Shettima’s efforts in promoting kidney care, Dr. Olatise, who also serves as Chairman of the Local Organising Committee for the 37th Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Association of Nephrology, announced that the association would honor Shettima with the “Kidney Champion Award.”
“We have noticed the role the Vice President is playing in looking after kidney patients in the country,” Dr. Olatise said. “He has been involved in purchasing immunosuppressants, providing post-transplant care, and even considering setting up a lab to monitor calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) levels for kidney patients.”
The 37th Scientific Conference, with the theme “Revolutionizing Kidney Care in Nigeria: Evidence-Based Innovations,” will take place in Abuja from February 19-21, 2025. It is expected to attract over 600 participants, including Nigerian medical professionals based abroad, pharmaceutical companies, and hospitals. The conference will serve as a platform to discuss innovations in kidney care and foster international collaborations.
Meanwhile, Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre’s successful partnership with Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital in Sokoto to perform kidney transplants is a testament to the hospital’s expanding influence and expertise. This partnership marks another significant step towards increasing Nigeria’s capacity to handle complex medical procedures and improve healthcare access nationwide.
As Nigeria continues to improve its healthcare services and attract international patients, the Vice President’s call for increased investment in specialized medical education and infrastructure becomes ever more critical. With continuous advancements in healthcare, Nigeria is well on its way to becoming a top destination for medical tourism in Africa and beyond.
