The Minister of State for Health has said the plan of the Federal Government to launch 10,000 Primary Health Centre's (PHC's) has the potential to reduce Medical tourism. He said this during the 50th Anniversary reuniuon dinner party of the Government College Ibadan Old Boys Association (GCIOBA) class of 1961-65/67.
While these may improve the quality of healthcare delivery in Nigeria, it would have little effect on Nigerians seeking treatment abroad. Most Nigerians travelling abroad for treatment do so because of Renal, Oncological and Orthopaedic issues.
Even though it may be argued that the development/revitalisation of the PHC's would free up much needed "Human resources" in Secondary and tertiary centres, the management of these cases go beyond that.
For example, with only two (2) radiotherapy machines functioning in Nigeria, people that can afford it are likely to seek treatment abroad.
Our suggestion is that beyond the building/launching of the PHC's, there must be adequate funding and equiping of the Tertiary centres. Also, policies must be put in place to ensure sustained private sector investment in Health.