Title: World Bank Urges Nigeria to Restore Public Trust Through Better Service Delivery

Nigeria is losing a staggering $1.1 billion every year to medical tourism, according to a report by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank). This alarming figure reflects the number of Nigerians who travel abroad for medical treatment due to a lack of trust in the local healthcare system. The massive financial outflow highlights both the weakness of the country’s health infrastructure and the urgent need for reform.
Medical tourism refers to people traveling to other countries to obtain medical care. In Nigeria’s case, many citizens—especially political elites and wealthy individuals—seek treatment in countries like India, the UK, the US, Germany, and even nearby African nations like South Africa. This is mainly due to the poor state of healthcare facilities in Nigeria, ranging from outdated equipment to inadequate staffing and frequent doctors' strikes.
This huge loss of capital could be reinvested into Nigeria’s healthcare sector to improve hospitals, train professionals, and expand access to quality care for the average citizen. Unfortunately, government neglect, corruption, and underfunding continue to cripple the system, pushing even middle-class Nigerians to seek solutions abroad.
Experts argue that the federal and state governments must prioritize the health sector by increasing budgetary allocation, ensuring effective implementation of health policies, and encouraging private investment. There’s also a growing call for Nigerian leaders to “lead by example” by using the same medical services they expect citizens to rely on.
The Afreximbank report should serve as a wake-up call to all stakeholders. Nigeria cannot afford to keep draining its economy through avoidable foreign expenditures. Strengthening the health system is not just a matter of public welfare—it is a matter of national economic interest and dignity.
Luchiinter.blogger.com will continue to monitor and report on developments affecting health and national progress in Nigeria.
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