At the 20th Akwaaba African Travel Market in Lagos, Dr. Basir Zainab, the Country Executive Administrator for Memorial Hospitals Group Turkey, delivered an impactful presentation on the benefits of medical tourism and Memorial’s ambitious plans for Nigeria.
Memorial, a global healthcare provider with 11 hospitals across Turkey and an expanding international footprint, is actively pursuing ways to establish a strong presence in Nigeria, aligning with the country’s healthcare needs.
Dr. Zainab, a Nigerian medical doctor committed to improving healthcare access in her homeland, spoke passionately about Memorial’s mission and its reputation for exceptional patient care.
The group has a robust international presence, with more than 15 offices across different countries, and draws patients from over 157 nations.
Highlighting her dedication to Nigeria’s healthcare sector, she remarked on her decision to remain in Nigeria despite opportunities abroad, explaining, “I chose to work with one of the best healthcare providers, not just in Turkey but in the world.”
Memorial Hospitals has already taken steps to support healthcare in Nigeria through monthly visits from Turkish specialists, covering various medical fields to meet specific health needs. Over the past six months, Dr. Zainab has arranged these visits, working alongside local healthcare professionals to provide solutions for Nigerian patients.
“As a Nigerian, I am deeply invested in my people and in the advancement of healthcare in my country,” she affirmed.
Dr. Zainab also addressed potential language barriers, which can be a concern for patients seeking treatment in Turkey. She assured participants that Memorial provides multilingual support with translators proficient in a wide range of languages, ensuring clear communication and a smoother treatment experience.
In her presentation, Dr. Zainab extended an invitation to Nigerian travel operators to collaborate with Memorial Hospitals on medical tourism packages, enhancing convenience for Nigerians seeking international healthcare.
“We are more than happy to work with travel operators to create packages that simplify the process for patients,” she said, highlighting Memorial’s focus on patient-centric care.
Memorial Hospitals offers an additional incentive for Nigerian patients: for treatment plans exceeding $10,000, the hospital provides discounts and covers the cost of a one-way ticket via Turkish Airlines. This initiative underscores Memorial’s commitment to making high-quality healthcare more accessible to Nigerians.
Addressing ethical concerns, Dr. Zainab discussed the topic of organ trafficking, a concern for patients considering medical tourism abroad. She assured attendees of Memorial’s ethical standards and strict oversight, emphasizing that patient safety and integrity are paramount in all of Memorial’s operations.
Dr. Zainab concluded with a heartfelt expression of gratitude to her mentor, Mr Ikechi Uko, Organiser of the 20th Akwaaba, African Travel Market and to the attendees, reaffirming her dedication to Nigerian healthcare advancement.
As Memorial Hospitals Group continues to explore its expansion into Nigeria, Dr. Zainab’s presentation marked a significant step in strengthening the bridge between Nigerian patients and international healthcare solutions, with plans to make high-quality medical services more accessible to Nigerians in the near future.
