The Guild of Medical Directors (GMD), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter has advocated the establishment of ethical transplant committees nationwide to streamline procedures for organ transplants and ensure compliance with healthcare regulations.
Chairman of the Guild, Dr Kingsley Iseko, made the call when the group paid a solidarity visit to the Medical Director of Alliance Hospital, Christopher Otabor in Abuja over his contributions in advancing health care and reversing medical tourism in the country.
Iseko said that the guild believes not only in quality healthcare delivery but also advocates for adherence to healthcare standards to ensure that Nigerians have confidence in healthcare services.
He pointed out that over 70 per cent of healthcare service is given by the private sector, adding that when standards are set and judiciously applied fairly, it helps improve public confidence in the system.
“We are open to regulations because it helps us set standards and ensure that people have confidence in the healthcare that is being given,” he said.
Iseko noted that Abuja is fast becoming the centre for reversing medical tourism owing to services being offered by the Alliance Hospitals. He also acknowledged Alliance Hospital’s humanitarian services to indigent Nigerians and technological advancements.
He expressed the guild’s commitment to fostering a conducive environment for quality healthcare delivery and supporting initiatives aimed at improving healthcare for all Nigerians.
Earlier, the Medical Director, Alliance Hospital, Dr Christopher Otabor, stated that brain drain and medical tourism are the two monsters affecting healthcare delivery in Nigeria, adding that the current ratio stood at one doctor to 10,000 patients, which is over ten times higher than WHO’s recommended ratio.
He observed that there are more Nigerian doctors abroad than those currently practicing in the country and stressed the need to build local capacities to address healthcare challenges, particularly in critical areas like kidney transplants.
Otabor, who also received an integrity ambassadorial award from Nigerian Patriotic Youths Against Corruption and Transparency Initiative, noted that Nigeria loses over $1 billion every year to medical tourism.
He urged the Federal Government to proactively increase investment in hospital equipment, boost morale among healthcare workers, and address security concerns to combat the issues of brain drain and medical tourism.
Presenting the award, the leader of the group, Ochekwu Ocheche, applauded Otabor for his desire to provide top-notch health services and remain in the country, despite temptations to immigrate to developed countries.
