By Haruna Gimba
A conference and exhibition showcasing the state of the Nigerian health sector opens in Abuja on Monday September 19 .
Health Reporters gathered that the exhibition designed to focus on the best medical care and technological support enterprises in Nigeria, themed: ‘All Things Medical’ (ATM) is being put together by the Federal Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria , AGPMPM, and the Guild of Medical Directors.
A renowned neurosurgeon and Chief Medical Director of the first private neurosurgical centre in Nigeria, Memphys, Professor Sam Ohaegbulam, said the exhibition is timely as information and statistics about what is available in Nigeria is the bedrock of a viable and functional healthcare system.
He said: “There is the issue with medical tourism. Doctors have highlighted the dangers of going to places such as India, South Africa, United Kingdom and Egypt for medical treatment. They pointed out the problems of traveling to these countries without proper information about the doctors, their qualifications and experience. In effect, running to India is not the solution, especially if what you need is in Sokoto.”
The Managing Director, Alliance Hospital, Abuja, Dr. Chris Otabor, emphasised the need for more information about high quality healthcare personnel and facilities in Nigeria.
“We need positive documentation of the good practices and an end to the bad practices. We have to help our health centres, government hospitals or even private hospitals to be the best they can be.
“Say stop to medical tourism. Join us to stop losing huge resources that is better applied to help our own development. We must encourage the development of our own local health care industry and the first step is ATM,” he said.
He added that Nigerians must put an end to medical tourism, saying the government should not sponsor anybody to go and get treatment abroad unless, of course, that treatment is what we cannot offer,” he added.
