If Nigerians who travel abroad for medical services can stay and be treated at home, US$200 million, a substantial sum compared to the national health budget, could be saved annually. This estimate is in the latest national economic plan from minister of finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.But the document “Creating jobs: A short to medium-term agenda,” does not give a breakdown of the amount.

The minister explains that since good health contributed to economic growth, there is a need for the federal government to increase investment in the sector. She argues that poor health reduces the efficiency and output of workers, adding that one of the priority areas of the government will be finding ways to address the challenges of the sector, “Good health contributes to economic growth and poor health reduces workforce efficiency and output. Nigeria can save $200 million from medical services abroad.” She also emphasizes that the health sector has potential for job creation.

New president Goodluck Jonathan at the 50th anniversary of the Nigerian Medical Association, said that the federal government is no longer prepared to pay for officials or politicians to have medical treatment in foreign countries as this practice had over recent years led to loss of the nation’s scarce foreign exchange through unnecessary and overly expensive trips abroad by officials seeking medical care. The money saved will be channelled into developing local hospitals to international standards.