Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has expressed optimism that Nigeria could become a destination for medical tourists, including those from developed countries, with more investments in the health sector.
“We have all it takes to become the place of choice for even medical tourists from developed countries looking to jump long queues for specialised procedures at home or simply shopping for more affordable fees for first-class health care,” Mr Osinbajo said during the inauguration of the Duchess International Hospital, a subsidiary of the Reddington Hospital Group in Lagos.
Chairman of Reddington Hospital Group, Dr. Adeyemi Onabowale, said that the project was a one-stop multi-specialty, multi-disciplinary medical facility with world-class hospitality.
“We have by far the largest number of middle-to-low income communities and individuals in sub-Saharan Africa who require affordable, high-quality healthcare,” said Mr Osinbajo who was accompanied by Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Dapo Abiodun of Lagos and Ogun states respectively.
“We can even reverse the trend of doctors voting with their feet, and we have seen that several doctors who are part of the management of this facility are coming from different parts of the world. The reasons for voting with their feet are all these – better remuneration, better facilities,” the VP stated, noting that he is “affirmed that this is a country of world-class talents, world-class ideas, world-class execution.”
The event was also attended by the Governor of Central Bank Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, the Managing Directors of the Bank of Industry, Olukayode Pitan, and Access Bank’s Herbert Wigwe.
