Medical tourism: US govt, experts commit to bridge gaps in diagnostic capacities in Nigeria
The United States government and stakeholders in the health sector have committed to collaborating with Nigeria towards bridging gaps in diagnostic capacities and quality health services delivery in the country. They made this known yesterday in Abuja during the launch of the medical imaging programme and equipment of Cassona Global Imaging Nigeria Ltd in collaboration […]
The United States government and stakeholders in the health sector have committed to collaborating with Nigeria towards bridging gaps in diagnostic capacities and quality health services delivery in the country.
They made this known yesterday in Abuja during the launch of the medical imaging programme and equipment of Cassona Global Imaging Nigeria Ltd in collaboration with the United States Mission in Nigeria.
U.S. Mission Nigeria’s Commercial Attache, Blake Murray said the organization ‘s decision to invest and expand into Nigeria, underscores its full understanding of the immense potential for transformative healthcare partnerships between the two countries.
He said, “This realization marked a strategic shift in the organization’s mission from healthcare logistics to bridging the gap in medical imaging and diagnostic capabilities across underserved regions. It also reflects confidence in Nigeria’s trajectory towards strengthened healthcare infrastructure and sustainable development, efficient and resilient healthcare systems, build far reaching benefits, improving patient outcomes, reducing costs, expanding access, accelerating emergency response capabilities and advancing disease prevention and control as Nigeria continues.”
He said the United States Mission to Nigeria, is focused on deepening bilateral trade relations, adding that last year, two way trade between the United States and Nigeria hit a record $13 billion.
John Chigbu , Chief Executive Officer of Cassona International, said there was need for medical tourism into Nigeria rather than out of the country.
He said access to quality diagnosis and treatment shouldn’t be for only those that could afford it but should be readily made available to all in the country.
He said, “if we don’t give help to our people, how can people come in here and invest? we need skilled manpower. That’s why hospitals are critical infrastructure.”
He said Sub-Saharan Africa is critically underserved in medical diagnostic imaging and that many hospitals still rely on outdated equipment, causing delays in diagnosis and treatment.
He said for 2025 and beyond, Cassona Global Imaging Nigeria Ltd Plans to build turnkey hospitals equipped with modern diagnostic imaging equipment, partner with local governments in Public-private Partnerships (PPP) and explore the BOT (Build, Operate, Transfer) model for hospital sustainability.
He said they include: transforming healthcare delivery with world-class medical equipment, staffing hospitals with both overseas and local professionals for knowledge transfer, and focusing on the local transfer of knowhow and best practices through training of medical professionals on use of functionalities of modern equipment.
The representative from Zenith Bank PLC said the bank was ready to provide all the support that Cassona Global Imaging Nigeria Ltd needs to actualize its goals for healthcare in Nigeria .
Faruk Lawal, deputy governor of Katsina State, pledged the state government’s commitment towards partnering with the firm for quality diagnostic health service delivery.