Founder/CEO Nisa Medical Group, Dr Ibrahim Wada, has expressed optimism that Nigeria can become a hub for medical tourism if the right facilities are on ground.
Dr Wada stated this in Abuja while inspecting Nisa Medical group’s new facility alongside, Cuba Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb Clara M. Pulido-Escandell, and Nigeria Ambassador to Cuba, Amb Ben B.M Okoyen, also present was Dr Musa Shaibu Group Managing Director, Nisa Medical Group Ltd and Mr Adebanji Adekanle Chief Financial Officer Nisa Medical Group.
According to Dr Wada, Nisa resolved to put the facility on ground to provide alternative for Nigerians travelling abroad for medical purposes and to reduce medical tourism as well as tackle brain drain through local training of medical personnels.
Disclosing that Cuba is a fertile ground for training of medical personnels, He said professionals from Cuba are currently training locals at Nisa Premier Hospital, insisting that collaboration is key to quality health care delivery.
His words: “I am hoping that this will make that kind of statement to encourage our people to explore Nigeria long before they have to explore foreign shores. It also gives opportunity for training high quality personnel for some research and collaboration.
“We said we wanted to put something like this on ground here to give people an alternative both in environment, personnel equipment.
“This is a step in the right direction because we do have personnel from Cuba who are working with Nisa Medical group at the moment. The key word in this kind of big project is you can’t do it alone. You need collaboration. And I am very grateful to God that we are putting together gradually and gradually the kind of team that will make Nigeria proud”.
“Cuba is a fertile ground for training around the whole world. We want to explore that possibility till when this project comes alive, and there will be people going and coming bringing new knowledge.
Speaking after the inspection, Cuba ambassador, Pulido-Escandell who disclosed that over 100 health professionals from Nigeria are currently studying in Cuba, said the facility when completed has the capability of strengthening Nigeria bilateral relationship with Cuba.
According to her, the Nigeria professionals in Cuba has engaged in different specialties including, cardiologist, nephrologist, among others.
She further disclosed that Cuba has imported some drugs and vaccines that are currently being used to facilitate treatment for Nigeria patients.
