Vice President Kashim Shettima has highlighted an unexpected trend—Nigeria is seeing a surge in reverse medical tourism. More patients from the United States and other countries are coming to Nigeria for kidney transplants, drawn by the affordability and top-tier medical expertise available in the country.
Speaking at the Presidential Villa in Abuja during a courtesy visit from the Nigerian Association of Nephrology ahead of its 37th Scientific Conference, Shettima pointed to the growing reputation of Nigerian hospitals in kidney care.
“There’s a shift happening. Some of our hospitals are providing a level of care that’s attracting international patients,” he noted. “Just recently, 13 individuals from the U.S. underwent kidney transplants at Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre. The cost is significantly lower, yet the quality matches global standards.”
Shettima praised Dr. Olalekan Olatise, the Chief Medical Director of Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre, for his unwavering commitment to kidney care, calling him a man of exceptional integrity and dedication to medical excellence.
However, the Vice President acknowledged the harsh financial realities facing patients. Many resort to selling their homes or relying on government aid to afford transplants.
“Getting a transplant is one hurdle, but life afterward is even more demanding,” he explained. “Many patients struggle with the cost of post-transplant care, particularly immunosuppressants, which are crucial for their survival.”
Reflecting on his tenure as Governor of Borno State, Shettima highlighted his efforts to bolster healthcare, including a free maternal care program.
“At a hospital in my neighborhood, we offer every new mother a bag of rice and beans,” he revealed. “They record about 30 births daily—more than the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. Over 4,000 deliveries have taken place in under eight months, all fully funded, including C-sections.”
Investing in Nigeria’s Medical Workforce
Shettima also stressed the importance of expanding Nigeria’s healthcare workforce.
“As governor, I sent 60 young women to study medicine in Sudan. Of those, 58 successfully completed their training and passed the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria exams. Many of them are now in residency programs. Investing in female doctors is particularly beneficial—they are more likely to stay and serve their communities.”
Scientific Conference to Push Kidney Care Innovations
Dr. Olatise, who also chairs the Local Organizing Committee for the 37th Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Association of Nephrology, announced that the conference—titled Revolutionizing Kidney Care in Nigeria: Evidence-Based Innovations—will take place in Abuja from February 19-21, 2025.
The association also plans to honor Vice President Shettima with the Kidney Champion Award for his advocacy and direct contributions to kidney patients. His support includes funding immunosuppressants and pushing for the establishment of a specialized post-transplant laboratory.
“We’ve seen the Vice President’s dedication firsthand,” Olatise said. “He has actively provided funding for post-transplant care, purchased essential medication, and is considering a lab to monitor critical kidney health markers. This award recognizes his commitment.”
The event is expected to draw over 600 attendees, including Nigerian medical experts from around the world, pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, and dialysis equipment manufacturers.
In a recent milestone, Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre collaborated with Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital in Sokoto to successfully perform a kidney transplant, further solidifying Nigeria’s growing reputation in global nephrology care.
Other key figures in attendance included Dr. Adegboyega Faponle, Secretary of the Local Organizing Committee, and Dr. Manmak Mamven, Treasurer of the Nigerian Association of Nephrology.
This article was updated 1 month ago
