The Nigerian federal government has unveiled a strategic plan to revamp the country’s healthcare sector, focusing on policy reforms, infrastructure development, and financial mobilization to curb the rising trend of medical tourism.
Speaking at the 3rd Annual Conference of the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria (HFN) in Lagos, the National Coordinator of the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking Healthcare Value Chain, Dr. Abdu Mukhtar, highlighted the urgent need to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Dr. Mukhtar revealed that Nigeria currently imports 80% of its medicines, vaccines, and healthcare products, a dependence the government seeks to reverse.
He also noted that the country spends between $1 billion and $2 billion dollars annually on outbound medical tourism, emphasizing the need for improved healthcare infrastructure and diagnostic services to retain patients locally.
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As part of the reform efforts, the government is prioritizing employment generation by mobilizing resources and attracting foreign direct investment into the healthcare sector.
In recognition of his contributions, Dr. Mukhtar received the Distinguished Award for Exceptional Advocacy and Partnership in Advancing Healthcare Policy on behalf of the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate.
The award, presented at the HFN Conference, acknowledged the government’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system.
(Editor: Ken Eseni)
