How good facilities can make Nigeria medical tourism domain, says Wada

*As Cuba, Nigeria envoys inspect new health facility in Abuja

Founder and Chief Executive Officer, of Nisa Medical Group, Dr Ibrahim Wada, has expressed optimism that Nigeria can become a hub for medical tourism if the right facilities are on the ground.

Dr Wada stated this on Thursday in Abuja while inspecting Nisa Medical Group’s new facility in the company of Cuba Ambassador to Nigeria, Clara M. Pulido-Escandell and Nigerian Ambassador to Cuba, Ambassador Ben B.M Okoyen.

Also at the inspection include the Group Managing Director, Nisa Medical Group Ltd, Dr Musa Shaibu and the Chief Financial Officer of the group, Mr Adebanji Adekanle.

According to Dr Wada, Nisa resolved to put the facility on the ground to provide alternatives for Nigerians travelling abroad for medical purposes and to reduce medical tourism as well as tackle brain drain through local training of medical personnel.

Disclosing that Cuba is a fertile ground for the training of medical personnel, he said professionals from Cuba are currently training locals at Nisa Premier Hospital, insisting that collaboration is key to quality healthcare delivery.

His words: “I am hoping that this will make that kind of statement to encourage our people to explore Nigeria long before they have to explore foreign shores. It also gives an opportunity for training high-quality personnel for some research and collaboration.

“We said we wanted to put something like this on the ground here to give people an alternative both in the environment, personnel and equipment.

“This is a step in the right direction because we do have personnel from Cuba who is working with Nisa Medical Group at the moment. The key word in this kind of big project is ‘you can’t do it alone.’ You need collaboration and I am very grateful to God that we are putting together gradually, the kind of team that will make Nigeria proud.”

Adding: “Cuba is a fertile ground for training around the whole world. We want to explore that possibility till when this project comes alive, and there will be people going and coming, bringing new knowledge.

Speaking after the inspection, Cuba’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Pulido-Escandell, who disclosed that over 100 health professionals from Nigeria are currently studying in Cuba, said the facility when completed, has the capability of strengthening Nigeria’s bilateral relationship with Cuba.

According to her, Nigerian professionals in Cuba have engaged in different specialities including, cardiologists and nephrologists.

She further disclosed that Cuba has imported some drugs and vaccines that are currently being used to facilitate treatment for Nigerian patients.