Vice President Kashim Shettima has revealed that patients from the United States and other countries are traveling to Nigeria for affordable, high-quality kidney transplants.
Speaking on Thursday during a courtesy visit by the Nigerian Association of Nephrology to the Presidential Villa in Abuja, ahead of the association’s 37th Scientific Conference, Shettima noted that Nigeria is experiencing a rise in reverse medical tourism.
Nigeria’s Growing Reputation in Kidney Transplant Care
Shettima attributed this trend to the affordability and expertise available in Nigeria’s medical sector. He highlighted the increasing preference for Nigerian hospitals due to their world-class treatment at lower costs.
“There is reverse medical tourism these days fundamentally because of the level of care at some of our hospitals,” Shettima stated.
He cited the example of 13 patients from the United States who recently underwent kidney transplants at Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre, emphasizing that they received the same standard of care available globally but at a fraction of the cost.
Call for More Investments in Specialised Healthcare
The Vice President stressed the need for increased investment in specialized medical education to sustain this progress. He commended Dr. Olalekan Olatise, Chief Medical Director of Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre, for his contributions to kidney care.
“Shettima described Olatise as ‘a very decent man who is highly altruistic’ in his efforts to assist humanity.”
He also acknowledged the financial burden kidney patients face, with many relying on government support or selling assets to afford transplants.
“While getting a kidney transplant is a significant challenge, life after a transplant presents even more difficulties,” he noted, adding that many patients struggle with the cost of post-transplant care, including immunosuppressants essential for maintaining their health.
Shettima’s Commitment to Healthcare Initiatives
Reflecting on his tenure as Governor of Borno, Shettima recalled various healthcare initiatives he implemented, including free maternal care programmes.
“At a hospital in my neighborhood, we provide a bag of rice and beans to every new mother,” he said.
He highlighted that the hospital records about 30 births daily—more than even the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH)—with over 4,000 deliveries in less than eight months, all covered under the programme, including caesarean sections.
Shettima also emphasized the importance of building Nigeria’s medical workforce, recalling his initiative to send 60 female students to study medicine in Sudan.
“About 58 of them completed their education and passed the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) licensing exams. Most are now in their medical residency programmes. The beauty of training women in medicine is that they are more likely to stay back and serve their communities,” he explained.
Honoring Shettima for His Support in Kidney Care
Dr. Olatise announced that the Nigerian Association of Nephrology will honor Vice President Shettima with the Kidney Champion Award for his advocacy and direct support for kidney patients.
Olatise, who chairs the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the association’s 37th Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting, stated that Shettima has played a key role in funding immunosuppressants and proposing a specialized laboratory for post-transplant care.
“We have noticed the role the Vice President is playing in looking after kidney patients in the country. He has been involved in purchasing immunosuppressants, providing post-transplant care, and even considering setting up a lab to monitor calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) levels for kidney patients. This award is a recognition of his commitment,” Olatise said.
Other key delegation members included Dr. Adegboyega Faponle, LOC Secretary, and Dr. Manmak Mamven, the association’s Treasurer.
With Nigeria’s growing reputation in kidney transplant care, Shettima’s remarks highlight the country’s potential to become a global hub for affordable and high-quality medical treatments.