American patients coming to Nigeria for kidney transplants, says Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima has claimed that Nigeria is experiencing a rise in reverse medical tourism, with patients from the United States and other countries seeking kidney transplants in the country due to affordability and high-quality medical expertise.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Nigerian Association of Nephrology at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, ahead of the association’s 37th Scientific Conference, Shettima cited the growing reputation of Nigerian hospitals in providing world-class kidney care.

“There is reverse medical tourism these days fundamentally because of the level of care at some of our hospitals,” he said. “Recently, 13 patients from the United States came to Nigeria for kidney transplants at Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre because it is much cheaper here, and they receive the same level of expertise available anywhere in the world.”

The Vice President praised the Chief Medical Director of Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre, Dr. Olalekan Olatise, for his contributions to kidney care, describing him as “a very decent man who is highly altruistic” in his commitment to medical excellence.

However, Shettima acknowledged the financial burden on patients, many of whom sell their homes or rely on government support to afford transplants.

“While getting a kidney transplant is a significant challenge, life after a transplant presents even more difficulties. Many patients struggle with the cost of post-transplant care, including immunosuppressants, which are essential to maintaining their health,” he said.

Reflecting on his tenure as Governor of Borno State, Shettima highlighted healthcare initiatives he had championed, including a free maternal care programme.

“At a hospital in my neighbourhood, we provide a bag of rice and beans to every new mother. They record about 30 births daily, more than even the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. Over 4,000 deliveries have been recorded in less than eight months, with all medical expenses covered, including caesarean sections,” he said.

He also stressed the need for Nigeria to build its medical workforce. “When I was governor, I took 60 female students to study medicine in Sudan. About 58 of them completed their education and passed the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria licensing exams. Most of them are now in their medical residency programmes. The beauty of training women in medicine is that they are more likely to stay back and serve their communities. We must make deliberate and targeted investments in specialised healthcare education in this country,” he said.

Earlier, Dr. Olatise, who also serves as the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee for the 37th Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Association of Nephrology, announced that the conference, with the theme “Revolutionising Kidney Care in Nigeria: Evidence-Based Innovations,” will take place in Abuja from February 19-21, 2025.

The association also revealed plans to honour Vice President Shettima with the Kidney Champion Award in recognition of his advocacy and direct support for kidney patients, including funding immunosuppressants and proposing the establishment of a specialised laboratory for post-transplant care.

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“We have noticed the role the Vice President is playing in looking after kidney patients in the country. He has been involved in purchasing immunosuppressants, providing post-transplant care, and even considering setting up a lab to monitor calcineurin inhibitor levels for kidney patients. This award is a recognition of his commitment,” Olatise said.

The conference is expected to attract over 600 participants, including Nigerian medical professionals based abroad, pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, and manufacturers of dialysis consumables.

As part of its commitment to improving healthcare access, Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre recently partnered with Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital in Sokoto to perform a successful kidney transplant.

Other members of the delegation included the Secretary of the Local Organising Committee, Dr. Adegboyega Faponle, and the Treasurer of the Nigerian Association of Nephrology, Dr. Manmak Mamven.