The year 2026 stands as a critical inflection point for Nigeria’s healthcare system. While the aspiration to curb medical tourism is not new, the conversation must evolve from simple admonitions to a concrete, multi-faceted blueprint for transformation. The call by financial expert Dr. Samuel Nzekwe to prioritize the health sector is a vital economic argument that deserves deeper exploration and actionable context.
The exodus of Nigerians seeking treatment abroad is more than a healthcare failure; it is a profound economic hemorrhage. The term “capital flight” quantifies this drain, but the true cost is multidimensional. Beyond the billions of dollars spent annually in foreign hospitals, we must account for the ancillary spending on travel, accommodation, and logistics, which further depletes foreign reserves. More insidiously, this outflow directly funds the advancement of healthcare infrastructure and research in destination countries, widening the gap Nigeria must close.
Dr. Nzekwe correctly identifies the inverse opportunity: a transformed health sector as an economic engine. However, achieving “world-class” status requires specificity. It means moving beyond isolated centers of excellence to building integrated healthcare ecosystems. This involves:
- Strategic Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Government must create transparent and incentivizing frameworks to attract large-scale, long-term private investment in specialist hospitals, diagnostic centers, and medical equipment manufacturing.
- Specialization and Medical Cities: Instead of diluting resources, Nigeria should develop designated medical zones or cities focused on specific high-demand areas for medical tourism, such as cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and fertility treatments, creating hubs of concentrated expertise.
- Regulatory Modernization: Streamlining the process for accreditation, drug/equipment importation, and licensing of foreign-trained specialists is crucial to attracting investment and talent.
The expert’s call to “create an enabling environment” to reduce brain drain is the linchpin of this transformation. An enabling environment is not just about better salaries; it’s about professional fulfillment. This includes:
- Providing state-of-the-art equipment and reliable supplies so professionals can practice at the top of their license.
- Ensuring clear career progression pathways and funding for continuous professional development.
- Fostering a culture of respect, safety, and meritocracy within healthcare institutions.
While increased funding is essential, as advocated, its application matters most. Funding must be targeted, accountable, and sustained. It should prioritize:
1. Primary Healthcare Revitalization: A strong primary care system prevents complications, reduces the burden on tertiary facilities, and builds public trust.
2. Health Information Technology: Investing in integrated digital health records, telemedicine infrastructure, and data analytics is non-negotiable for a modern system.
3. Local Capacity Building: Funds must support specialized training programs, nursing schools, and biomedical engineering to create a self-sustaining pipeline of talent.
The vision for 2026 should be ambitious: to not only retain Nigerian patients but to begin attracting patients from West Africa and beyond. This would transform the health sector into a net foreign exchange earner, create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, and stimulate local industries from hospitality to pharmaceuticals. The transformation Dr. Nzekwe urges is not merely a health policy goal but a fundamental strategy for national economic security and prestige. The time for a detailed, actionable plan is now.
