Niger partners Abuja-based hospital, moves against medical tourism

The administration of Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu of Niger State in its resolve against medical tourism outside the country has entered into partnership with Primus Hospital, based in Abuja, for referral treatments.
According to a press statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to Aliyu, Israel Ebije, an advanced deposit of N15 million had been made to the Abuja-based hospital to treat patients on referral.
Ebije further intimated that the deposited amount will be periodically replenished, adding that aside the cost effectiveness of treating patients in Nigeria, the move will encourage Nigerians to rely on hospitals located within the country, which will also encourage hospitals in the country to attain the status of those abroad.
The statement said: “Niger State Government is interested in curbing the shameful traffic of Nigerians on medical tourism in foreign countries by directing attention to home based hospitals for referrals instead. Though Primus is owned by Indians, its a positive step towards encouraging home based hospitals to grow.
“Already the partnership between Niger State Government and Primus Hospital is yielding results as over 400 referral cases are presently looked into. Also successful knee, spine surgeries, dialysis have been carried out since the commencement of the partnership last month.”
Ebije further disclosed that the state government and the hospital will jointly establish a diagnostic centre with Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Computer Tomography Scan Machines and other state-of-the-art laboratory services.
Already Governor Aliyu has directed that a land beside IBB Hospital be given for the diagnostic centre as its equity contribution.
Papers for the parcel of land have already been given to the partners.
The Diagnostic Centre is expected to take care of patients from all the 25 local government areas of Niger State, including patients from nearby states.
The Niger State governor would commission the centre in the next six months when it would be ready for full medical service.