Firms partner to cut forex spending on healthcare

The Consulate-General, Lagos, Shri Chandramouli Kern with IMAN members at the free health camp in Lagos recently

The Indian Muslim Association of Nigeria and Starcare International Hospital have called for strategic partnerships with Nigerian authorities to curb the nation’s rising expenditure on foreign medical treatments.

According to data from the Central Bank of Nigeria, Nigerians spent about $7.43m on foreign healthcare-related services between June 2022 and June 2023.

This expenditure highlights a significant trend in medical tourism, driven by inadequate healthcare infrastructure and poor service delivery within the country.

The Managing Director of Starcare International Hospital, Dr Ashraff Mohammad, in a statement underscored the urgent need to reverse Nigeria’s dependence on medical tourism.

Speaking at a free health camp jointly organised by IMAN and Starcare in Lagos, the medical practitioner stated, “Our main mission is to reverse medical tourism because there is a lot of dollar exodus on healthcare abroad.

Mohammad noted that many Nigerians struggle to access quality healthcare due to financial constraints.

The World Bank reported that over 120 million Nigerians lack access to health insurance, highlighting a significant gap in healthcare coverage.

The health camp, held at a venue volunteered by IMAN President Javed Khan, aimed to provide free treatment for common conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity.

The initiative targeted 500 people, focusing on those unable to afford hospital bills.

Mohammad emphasised the importance of government support to expand access to basic healthcare, particularly for low-income Nigerians.

“Healthcare in Nigeria needs substantial government backing. Without money, many Nigerians cannot access treatment. The government must subsidize basic treatments for conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes,” he said.

The event also drew the support of the Indian Consulate-General in Lagos, Shri Chandramouli Kern, who highlighted India’s willingness to collaborate with Nigeria to improve healthcare delivery.

“We are ready to work with the Nigerian government to strengthen the health sector,” Kern stated. He praised the health camp as a vital step in addressing prevalent health issues among underserved communities.

IMAN Vice President and Trustee Sabir Ali described the camp as a lifeline for those unable to afford medical bills. Trustee Sayroz Mukhida highlighted India’s leadership in the global healthcare sector and expressed hope for stronger collaboration between the two countries.

“If Nigeria can attract world-class hospitals and invest in healthcare infrastructure, it will conserve foreign exchange spent on medical tourism,” Mukhida said, adding that Indian hospitals are willing to support Nigeria with technology and expertise.