Nigerian Medical Association Urges Government to Address Medical Tourism Challenges, Here’s All You Need to Know

Published on December 6, 2025

The Nigeria Medical Association, led by the National President, Prof. Bala Audu, has urged the government to stem the tide of medical tourism by improving the welfare of the nation’s health workforce. He gave this assertion in an address to journalists in Abeokuta, Ogun State, shortly after the meeting of the National Executive Council. According to him, the country’s medical sector would be revamped if the necessary step was taken to ensure the retention of skilled medical professionals, which would gradually stem the tide of patients traveling abroad for treatment.

Nigeria’s Medical Potential and the Growing Issue of Medical Tourism

Medical tourism, which refers to citizens traveling abroad for medical treatment, has become a significant issue in Nigeria, with many people opting for healthcare services outside the country, often due to perceived better quality care. This trend not only drains the country’s financial resources but also underscores the shortcomings in the local healthcare system. Prof. Audu highlighted that, despite these challenges, Nigeria boasts highly skilled medical professionals capable of providing advanced care both in public and private healthcare facilities.

The NMA President expressed that the presence of skilled healthcare providers in Nigeria presents a unique opportunity to reduce medical tourism by improving local healthcare services and making them more competitive. He pointed out that Nigerians are increasingly traveling to foreign countries for medical care, but the country has the capacity to provide world-class treatment locally—if only more efforts were made to enhance healthcare delivery.

Prof. Audu noted that medical professionals in Nigeria are highly regarded internationally, with many working in countries that attract large numbers of medical tourists. This is a testament to the capability of Nigeria’s healthcare workers and the advanced treatments available within the country. If these local healthcare services were properly marketed and Nigerians made more aware of the quality of care available within their borders, the reliance on medical tourism could be significantly reduced.

The Role of Workforce Retention in Reducing Medical Tourism

At the heart of the issue lies the retention of Nigeria’s healthcare workforce. Prof. Audu stressed that for Nigeria to successfully reduce medical tourism and improve the overall health system, it must focus on retaining its specialized doctors, dentists, and medical professionals. The need for these rare, highly specialized skills is growing worldwide, which has led many Nigerian doctors to seek better opportunities abroad. To counter this, the NMA President called for a strong focus on creating a work environment that is competitive and rewarding for medical professionals.

The retention of skilled healthcare workers is central to improving the country’s health outcomes. However, many doctors are migrating to countries like the United States and the United Kingdom due to better wages, career opportunities, and working conditions. As these professionals leave Nigeria in search of greener pastures, the nation’s health system is left vulnerable, unable to meet the growing demand for medical care. Prof. Audu’s message was clear: improving healthcare workers’ welfare is not only crucial for their retention but will also directly benefit the country’s health system and reduce the need for Nigerians to seek care abroad.

Economic Opportunities from Medical Tourism Promotion

In addition to addressing the issue of medical tourism, Prof. Audu also outlined the potential for Nigeria to capitalize on its medical capabilities by promoting its healthcare system to the global market. Just as many Nigerians travel abroad for treatment, Nigeria has the potential to attract international patients seeking high-quality, affordable healthcare. By building on its skilled workforce and modernizing healthcare infrastructure, Nigeria can tap into the global medical tourism market, bringing economic benefits to the country.

As medical tourism continues to grow globally, Nigeria could position itself as a hub for medical travelers seeking affordable, world-class treatment. By promoting specialized services such as advanced surgical procedures, dental care, and fertility treatments, the country could not only boost its economy but also create job opportunities and strengthen its healthcare infrastructure. This approach could also ease the pressure on Nigeria’s domestic healthcare system, as the influx of international patients would bring additional resources and investments into the sector.

The Need for Comprehensive Reforms and Government Support

For this vision to materialize, the Nigerian government must act decisively to improve the healthcare sector. Prof. Audu urged the federal government to honor previous commitments made with healthcare professionals, especially regarding the implementation of new salary structures. He called for the inclusion of these salary adjustments in the 2026 national budget, with implementation slated to begin in January. This would ensure that medical professionals are adequately compensated for their expertise and the crucial role they play in Nigeria’s healthcare system.

The government’s support in providing better welfare packages, improved working conditions, and incentives for healthcare professionals is essential for reducing brain drain and enhancing Nigeria’s healthcare delivery. The NMA President emphasized that such reforms are vital not just for the benefit of healthcare workers but also for the broader goal of improving the nation’s overall health indices.

Addressing Underfunding and Infrastructure Challenges

Despite ongoing efforts to reform Nigeria’s healthcare system, significant challenges remain, including underfunding, poor infrastructure, and a lack of adequate resources. These issues have contributed to the exodus of medical professionals and the rise of medical tourism. Addressing these systemic issues requires long-term investment in healthcare infrastructure, training, and technology to ensure that Nigeria’s medical sector can meet the needs of its citizens and attract international patients.

Additionally, the Nigerian government must prioritize policies that foster public-private partnerships, encouraging investment in healthcare infrastructure and the development of specialized medical facilities. By addressing these gaps, the government can enhance the quality of healthcare services and provide the necessary conditions for doctors and specialists to thrive.

A Call for Action to Strengthen Nigeria’s Healthcare Sector

Consequently, Nigeria can decrease dependence on medical tourism by improving welfare packages, supporting healthcare professionals, and investing in infrastructure. It is also positioned to become an international medical traveler destination and create economic benefits, which can provide a space for growth in the healthcare sector.