Medical Tourism: Nigerians go abroad for mere lab test – Health minister

A large percentage of Nigerians trooping abroad for medical tourism do so for mere laboratory test, said the minister of state for Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire. He  told graduates and new students of Federal School of Medical Laboratory Technology (Sciences) in Jos, Plateau State, Tuesday that:  “A good portion of the challenge of medical tourism […]

A large percentage of Nigerians trooping abroad for medical tourism do so for mere laboratory test, said the minister of state for Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire.

He  told graduates and new students of Federal School of Medical Laboratory Technology (Sciences) in Jos, Plateau State, Tuesday that:

 “A good portion of the challenge of medical tourism in Nigeria is attributed to patients who go abroad for medical diagnostic services, including laboratory tests.”

The minister who commissioned projects at the permanent site of the University teaching Hospital (JUTH) said  “If this continues, it is a declaration of no confidence on all of us.”

The minister lamented that Nigerians have no confidence in medical facilities in the country, and rush abroad even for mere laboratory test because of nasty experience they have had with results not showing the accuracy of the diagnosis. 

 “Therefore, we must do something urgent among all healthcare professionals to look at what ways of improving the quality of service which we render,” he said.