World Health Organization describes Medical tourism as travel to foreign
country for non-essential procedures like cosmetic surgery. Meanwhile, medical
tourism is when people travel to another country for Vital medical procedures
unavailable in the patient’s native country. Across Africa, the medical tourism
industry is rapidly expanding, driven by major investments in modern
healthcare facilities, infrastructure, enhancement, and training of healthcare
professionals.

Medical tourism is projected to grow globally at 12% annually, with revenues,
rising from US $115 .6 billion in 2022 to US $346 billion by 2032. Africa spends
over US $1 billion yearly on treatment abroad due to better facilities and
specialists overseas. To overthrow this, African governments and private
sectors are investing in advanced medical infrastructure, training and retaining
talent. New private medical schools aim to restrain the European healthcare
workers. Despite high investment costs, Africa still offers some of the most
affordable care globally – and the world is noticing.

Medical tourism in Africa is growing, with North Africa as a leader, particularly
Tunisia and South Africa. South Africa especially Cape Town offers high quality
and affordable treatments, while Tunisia of North Africa combines healthcare
with relaxation. In Sub-saharan Africa, Nigeria is a major player, generating
significant revenue, and Kenya attracts tourists with its healthcare and unique
experiences. The continent is becoming a popular destination for affordable
and quality healthcare combined with travel experiences.

In Sub-Saharan Africa, Nigeria leads West Africa’s medical tourism sector and
generates over US$1.1 billion annually, due to its advanced healthcare facilities
and skilled medical professionals. This produces approximately the same
revenue that Tunisia generates. Ghana has stepped into the market by
launching the Africa Medical Council, which it has used to establish agreements
with other African nations, allowing their citizens to access treatments at
healthcare facilities in Ghana.

Kenya is at the forefront of East Africa and established its healthcare industry
by serving regional patients, with approximately 5000 individuals from other
African countries seek treatment there annually. Recently, however, investments
in private hospitals targeting foreign medical tourists have begun to attract
patients who might have travelled to North Africa or the Middle East,
particularly the United Arab Emirates, which leads in medical tourism in that
region. Kenya’s success is largely due to its effective marketing of African
wildlife and cultural experiences, especially the renowned big game safaris and
the Maasai people.

Ethiopia has captured the attention of US investors as it aims to enhance
medical tourism in East Africa. A new hospital, the Roha Medical Campus, is
under construction with an investment of US$ 400 million, located near Addis
Ababa’s Bole International Airport, which serves as the air travel hub for East
Africa. Ethiopia is also promoting its cultural and natural attractions as a part of
the overall experience.

Ethiopia’s newly established private hospital illustrates the increasing gap
between advanced private healthcare and the struggling public systems
throughout Africa. This hospital seeks to draw international patients,
particularly Africans who collectively spend $1 billion each year on medical care
abroad. Moreover, it aims to provide specialised services to local patients.
Situated close to Addis Ababa’s Airport, the facility intended to position
Ethiopia is a centre for medical tourism and to reduce the dependence on
foreign countries like UAE or India. Investors believe that such hospitals can
deliver critical procedures to residents who might otherwise rely on
international charities for assistance.

In addition, they argue that having medical professionals in private hospitals
improves the nation’s healthcare system by facilitating training and knowledge
sharing. Since regular people can go to private hospitals with health insurance,
the medical tourism industry wants to increase health insurance coverage
across Africa. Medical aid programs supported by the government will cover
emergency treatments for those in need. Africa’s for-profit medical tourism
industry is also looking into new ways to improve healthcare quality, knowing
that having two different levels of medical care is unacceptable

CORE ELEMENTS:

• Medical tourism is a growing industry in Africa
• Modern hospitals offer expert care and access to attractions.
• Private hospitals are offering access to needy patients.

In conclusion, expansion of medical tourism in Africa reflects a positive trend. It
offers economic potential and improved healthcare services by ensuring
affordable pricing, maintaining high-quality treatment, and upholding ethical
principles. African countries can transform this growth into widespread public
well-being

Written By Lamis Faheem