‘Foreign medical trips undermine national economy’

[Punch]

The West African College of Physicians has said foreign medical trips by Nigerians undermine the nation's economy.

Vice President of the college, Prof. Ayodele Omotoso, stated this when he addressed a news conference held to herald the 37th Annual and General Scientific meeting of the institution in Osogbo, on Wednesday.

He said it was unfortunate that Nigerians had lost confidence in the country's medical system, urging government to develop the health sector.

Omotoso said, "Ailing former President of South Africa, Dr. Nelson Mandela, is being treated in South Africa. If a local government chairman is sick in Nigeria, he would be flown abroad.

"Foreign medical trips are a drawback on the nation's economy," he said.

He stressed that urgent steps must be taken by the government and stakeholders to halt the health sector decline.

According to him, easy access to legitimate and illegitimate funds by public officials is the reason behind the penchant for medical tourism.



The Punch