Why Nigerians seek medical care abroad – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has named the poor attitude of health workers across Nigeria as a major reason for the growing culture of Nigerians seeking medical care outside the country.

The president stated this Tuesday at the second National Health Summit of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and the 25th Triennial Conference of the Commonwealth Medical Association (CMA).

The summit is being held between November 4 and 8 in Abuja.

Mr Buhari who is currently in the UK for a two-week ‘private visit’ was the special guest billed to declare the event open. He was, however, represented by the health minister, Osagie Ehanire.

The minister said many Nigerians have lost confidence in the country’s health system because of the poor service delivery in Nigerian hospitals.

“If we must be honest to ourselves, we must admit that even more than lack of equipment and medical technical expertise, poor housekeeping and sanitation and often poor and disrespectful attitude of health workers and also a perceived lack of confidentiality are damaging the image and reputation of the health system and also the public confidence in it,” the official explained.

“There is no doubt that this loss of confidence in our hospitals is the father of medical tourism,” he noted.

The minister said only a change of mindset can reverse the trend.

– Premium Times