The Nigerian Government is under renewed pressure over healthcare reforms as FX outflows for health-related travel surged to $549.29 million in the first nine months of 2025, compared to $465.67 million in 2024.
Experts say the increase reflects sustained reliance on treatment abroad for complex procedures such as heart surgeries, cancer care and other specialised services, amid persistent concerns about infrastructure, equipment and drug availability in local hospitals.
Despite repeated pledges to curb medical tourism, including commitments by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, to strengthen health security and reduce outbound travel, the upward trend suggests that tangible gains remain limited.
Former Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria President, Olumide Akintayo, attributed the surge to inefficiencies, corruption, recurring industrial disputes and inconsistent pharmaceutical policies, noting that many Nigerians travel to access essential cardiovascular, diabetic and oncology medications.
Similarly, Nigerian Medical Association President, Prof. Bala Audu, said while Nigerian doctors are globally competitive, inadequate equipment and poor funding constraint service delivery. He referenced the reported release of N36 million (approximately $26,600) from the N218 billion (over $160,000,000) 2025 capital health budget as evidence of systemic gaps.
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