Nigeria’s healthcare system is gaining recognition globally, with patients from the UK, US, and other countries seeking quality medical care in the country.
This was disclosed by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, during a briefing with State House correspondents on Tuesday.
The minister revealed that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the ratification of the African Medicines Agency treaty, which aims to enhance regulatory capacities regarding medical products and increase access to safe, quality-assured medical services across the continent.
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According to Pate, the treaty has been signed by 37 member states of the Africa Union, with 26 countries already ratifying it. He emphasized that Nigeria’s ratification of the treaty would expand the market for locally manufactured medical products and facilitate trade with other African countries.
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In addition to the treaty ratification, the FEC also approved six contracts for major diagnostic equipment, including Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and CT scan equipment, for several teaching hospitals and medical centers across the country.
Pate highlighted the progress made in building Nigeria’s health infrastructure, stating, “You can see that gradually, piece by piece, we have been building our health infrastructure, but also at a higher level in the teaching hospital.”
He noted that this development has attracted international patients, including those from the UK and US, who are seeking quality healthcare services in Nigeria.
“People are now beginning to come to Nigeria from the region to receive quality healthcare. This is already happening, including people from far away, places like the United Kingdom and United States,” said the minister.
The minister expressed optimism about the future of Nigeria’s healthcare system, saying, “The transformation that the president promised is beginning to happen. We need to sustain it, and we’re investing, and we will continue to invest in that direction.”
