In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of people from Nigeria travelling to India for medical treatments. This trend has been observed across various medical specialties, including cardiology, neurology, oncology, and orthopedics. According to a report by Patients Beyond Borders, Nigeria is one of the top 10 medical tourism markets in Africa. The report estimates that Nigerians spend around $1 billion annually on medical tourism, with India being one of the most popular destinations for medical treatment. The report also notes that the number of Nigerians travelling abroad for medical treatment is likely to increase in the coming years, as the country’s healthcare system continues to face challenges. In this article, we will examine the reasons behind this phenomenon.
Quality of healthcare in Nigeria
One of the primary reasons why people from Nigeria are travelling to India for medical treatment is the poor state of healthcare in their home country. Nigeria, like many other African nations, is struggling to provide adequate healthcare services to its citizens. The healthcare system in Nigeria is underfunded, understaffed, and lacking in modern medical equipment and technology. As a result, patients often face long waiting times, inadequate facilities, and a lack of specialized medical expertise.
Lower costs in India
Another reason why Nigerians are travelling to India for medical treatment is the lower cost of healthcare services in India compared to Western countries. While healthcare costs in India are not as low as in some other countries, they are still significantly lower than those in the United States, the United Kingdom, or Canada. This makes India an attractive destination for people from Nigeria who are looking for cost effective medical treatment options.
High-quality medical facilities and expertise
India has a well-developed healthcare system, with world-class medical facilities and expertise. Many of the hospitals in India are accredited by international organizations, such as the Joint Commission International (JCI) and the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH). These hospitals offer a wide range of medical services, including the latest medical technology and equipment, and are staffed by highly trained medical professionals.
Cultural and language similarities
Nigeria and India share many cultural and linguistic similarities, which makes it easier for Nigerians to adapt to the Indian way of life while receiving medical treatment. Many Nigerians also speak English, which is widely spoken in India, making communication easier between patients and medical staff.
Few statistics:
- Nigeria spends $1.25 billion US dollars on medical tourism in a year
- Every month 9000 medical tourist are from Nigeria
- Out of which 5000 tourists visit India for medical tourism monthly
- The growth in medical tourism in Nigeria is 20% per year
- 95% of Nigerians travel south Asia for medical tourism
Conclusion
In conclusion, the reasons why people from Nigeria are travelling to India for medical treatments are varied, but they all point to the same underlying issue: the lack of adequate healthcare services in Nigeria. While India may not be the only option for Nigerians seeking medical treatment abroad, it is certainly a popular one due to the high-quality medical facilities, lower costs, and cultural similarities. As long as Nigeria continues to struggle with its healthcare system, it is likely that more and more people will continue to seek medical treatment overseas.
