We’re investing in health sector to curb medical tourism – BoI
The Bank of Industry (BOI) has reiterated its commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure through strategic investments aimed at boosting local manufacturing. Speaking during an inspection of a Nisa Premier hospital project by the Senate Committee on Industries, the Executive Director, Large Enterprises, at BOI, Ifeoma Uz’Okpala, said the initiative marks a significant milestone in […]
The Bank of Industry (BOI) has reiterated its commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure through strategic investments aimed at boosting local manufacturing.
Speaking during an inspection of a Nisa Premier hospital project by the Senate Committee on Industries, the Executive Director, Large Enterprises, at BOI, Ifeoma Uz’Okpala, said the initiative marks a significant milestone in the bank’s long-standing relationship with the healthcare provider.
The hospital project is located in Maitama, and supported by the bank through funding.
At the event The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, had revealed that between 2010 and 2020, Nigerians spent about $40bn on foreign education expenses and medical treatment abroad.
While foreign education expenses amounted to $28.65bn, the CBN governor said medical treatment abroad incurred around $11.01 billion.
Uz’Okpala said, “We started funding them when they were just a small clinic. Today, we are proud to support the development of this world-class tertiary medical facility. It’s a project that will not only save foreign exchange by discouraging Nigerians from seeking treatment abroad but also help stem the tide of brain drain and in another way trying to boost local manufacturing of health equipments.”
Uz’Okpala noted that the facility boasts cutting-edge technology and medical infrastructure comparable to international standards.
Also speaking, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Industries, Senator Francis Fadahunsi, commended the quality of the hospital and its potential to position Nigeria as a hub for medical excellence in Africa.