Nigerians spend over N78b annually for foreign medical services – Report

A report by the Centre for Social Justice indicates Nigerians spend more than N78 billion every year on medical tourism to hospitals abroad. The group made this revelation in its report titled: “Missing Links, Report on the Implementation of the Fiscal Responsibility Act in the 2013 Financial Year”, which was made available to Daily Trust, […]

A report by the Centre for Social Justice indicates Nigerians spend more than N78 billion every year on medical tourism to hospitals abroad.
The group made this revelation in its report titled: “Missing Links, Report on the Implementation of the Fiscal Responsibility Act in the 2013 Financial Year”, which was made available to Daily Trust, in Abuja.
CSJ said the resources committed to medical trips abroad showed some Nigerians were willing to pay for good quality healthcare, even overpriced medial services in medical institutions outside the country.
It noted that medical tourism was costing the nation hundreds of millions of dollars every year, adding that high ranking public officials do not treat their ailments in Nigerian hospitals.
But it said lack of funds for health for a majority of Nigeria makes universal health insurance important, noting also that coverage of the National Health Insurance Scheme is limited.