Conference bans public officials from medical tourism

The conference said medical tourism has caused enormous capital flight and drain on Nigeria’s economy, citing abuse of existing processes for screening of referrals for foreign medical treatment as one of the reasons.While considering the report on the committee on social sector yesterday, the delegates set strict procedures that must be observed by public officers […]

The conference said medical tourism has caused enormous capital flight and drain on Nigeria’s economy, citing abuse of existing processes for screening of referrals for foreign medical treatment as one of the reasons.
While considering the report on the committee on social sector yesterday, the delegates set strict procedures that must be observed by public officers seeking medical treatment outside the country.
It resolved that henceforth, there should be restriction of government sponsorship of public officers for foreign medical care; and that unless for exceptional cases that require referral abroad, all public officers should mandatorily utilize local health facilities.
These exceptional cases, it said, must be screened by a medical board made up of appropriate medical and healthcare professionals.
Also, the recommendations of the board should be subject to the approval of the Minister of Health who is the chief medical adviser to the federal government; except where such exceptional cases are serious emergencies, in which instant approval may be given.
The delegates however called for improvement in the quality of healthcare services in Nigeria; an effort to refocus the attitude of healthcare workers to patients; and improved political commitment to health by political office holders.