TO stem the tide of increasing numbers of Nigerian seeking medical treatment abroad and capital flight, the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) is to enter into partnership with the Medical Tourism Association (MTA), an American-based non-profit organization, as the body has expressed strong interest in

helping to brand Nigeria as a viable destination for medical tourism and check the influx of Nigerians of all ages and status from seeking medical care abroad.

This formed the crux of agreement reached by the association and NTDC when the representatives visited the Nigeria stand at the unfolding international travel and tourism trade exhibition – ITB, holding in Berlin. The , which was led by it  Executive Officer, Jonathan Edelheit and Global Congress Manager, Cristina Cardona, revealed that the body, which has membership in over 100 countries across the world, is dedicated to promoting medical education and enlightenment through workshops, seminars and training sessions among others. They also said that they work through hospitals, medical personnel, health service providers, governments and tourism bodies in the realization of their aims.

“Our organisation works with governments and hospitals in over a hundred different countries and we would like to help brand Nigeria and train personnel with a view to help bring in medical tourists to Nigeria,” said Edelheit. To this end, he said the body is through NTDC seeking to come into the Nigerian market to create awareness of it services and help to midwife the Nigeria branch of MTA, which will be saddled with the responsibility of helping various medical service providers and the government in creating and promoting a health and conducive environment for medical tourism to thrive in the country.

“Medical tourism is a huge part of the tourism industry in Kenya and South Africa and we would like to help Nigeria grow this sector and take advantage of the huge opportunities,” he said. “One of the benefits is that it also helps the local population as there will be increased investment in quality, in expansion and infrastructure.”

He explained that Nigerian hospitals would benefit from specialising in medical procedures that take advantage of the products and services that the country has to offer while also analyzing what types of patients from which specific markets to target. “Presently patients travel round the world looking for value, quality and affordability. What the MTA is offering is to come to Nigeria to provide education on where the country’s competitive advantage lies and help develop it,” Edelheit continued.