'Indians are coming to Nigeria for medical treatment' – Minister announces zero crisis in healthcare system

Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of State for Health, has announced a significant turnaround in the Nigerian healthcare system, affirming that it has overcome its previous challenges.

He has credited the implementation of strategic measures for fostering a more efficient and accessible healthcare environment across the nation.

Dr. Alausa has pointed out President Tinubu's vision of a robust nation, underpinned by a strong healthcare infrastructure, as a driving force behind the sector's advancements.

He remarked on the growing trend of international patients, including those from India and other nations within sub-Saharan Africa, who are opting for medical and cosmetic procedures in Nigeria, thanks to the availability of advanced medical technology in local hospitals.

The minister also drew attention to the surge in enrollment at healthcare educational institutions, especially in nursing programs, where numbers have soared from 2,500 to an impressive 68,000 students.

This surge, according to him, is a strategic move to curb the brain drain and retain talent within the country.

Speaking with Arise Television, Dr. Alausa elaborated,

"The state of healthcare in Nigeria has transcended past crises. With President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the helm, there's a renewed focus on fortifying our nation's health as it's pivotal to capitalizing on our prime asset—our people.

Under the President's stewardship, we've witnessed a comprehensive overhaul and progressive development of the healthcare sector.

The crisis is behind us. Our approach is multifaceted, with a marked increase in admissions across medical disciplines, including medicine, pharmacy, and medical laboratory science.

In the realm of nursing, we've leaped from enrolling 2,500 students to a current tally of 68,000, and we're on track to reach 110,000 by year's end.

With a populace exceeding 220 million, the President repeatedly emphasizes the need to harness this demographic dividend. We must amplify our output.

As we persist in revitalizing the healthcare sector, we're seeing a reversal in the outbound medical tourism trend. Now, our hospitals in Lagos are becoming the chosen destination for individuals from India, sub-Saharan Africa, and even Europe seeking quality healthcare services in Nigeria.

Cost-effective surgical procedures are a drawcard, with 900 specialized aesthetic clinics nationwide. People are flocking for plastic surgeries. Take the LUTH cancer center, for instance—it's equipped with cutting-edge technology.

Our progress isn't confined to Lagos; it's nationwide, even in rural locales. We're intensifying alignment and collaboration to funnel funds effectively, aiming to expand insurance coverage from 7 million to 50 million beneficiaries."