Why are Nigerian Patients Choosing India for Medical Treatments? (Guide)

India and Nigeria Relations

India and Nigeria share strong and healthy relations, cooperating in trade, investment, defence, and cultural exchange. India is Nigeria’s major trading partner, exporting pharmaceutical products and machinery to the people of Nigeria. Nigeria cooperates with India in Development, which includes technical assistance and infrastructure projects. Both countries collaborate on defence and security, combatting terrorism and piracy. Cultural exchanges create a better understanding and appreciation of Indian culture in Nigeria. Also, Diplomatic ties are well maintained at the highest levels, with mutual support for territorial integrity. In terms of healthcare, India supplies affordable medications and offers medical tourism to the people who are looking for medical treatment in India. 

India and Nigeria Travel Trends

Nigerians travel to India for the purpose of education, business, tourism and cultural exchange. Over the past few years, travel trends between India and Nigeria have been evolving significantly, mainly in healthcare. Due to the lack of advanced healthcare facilities in Nigeria, Nigerians travelled to India for medical treatment. However, with advancements in technology and healthcare infrastructure, India has become a preferred destination for Nigerian patients seeking specialized medical treatment at the best and most affordable prices. Even Doctors from India travel to Nigeria to consult the patients and advise them on the required treatment. Thus, this internal collaboration between the two countries is crucial to improving healthcare outcomes.

Reasons why patients from Nigeria fly for Medical Treatment in India:

Medical treatment for Nigerian patients in India—Nigerian patients often choose to fly for medical treatment in India for many reasons beyond their borders. India has become a preferred destination for healthcare due to its advancement in medical infrastructure, Doctor expertise, and affordability.

• Advanced Healthcare Facilities– Firstly, Indian hospitals provide world-class medical facilities equipped with state-of-the-art technology and well-experienced healthcare professionals. Patients from Nigeria come for specialized treatments in India to seek, such as cardiac surgery, orthopedics, and oncology,
• Cost-effective Medical Treatment – Secondly, the cost-effectiveness of medical treatment in India makes it an attractive and preferred option for Nigerian patients. Compared to Western countries, medical treatment expenses in India are lower, allowing Nigerian patients to get high-quality treatments without breaking the bank.
• Culture and no language barrier – India’s cultural affinity and English-speaking environment provide a comfortable and convenient experience for Nigerian patients. Nigerian patients are more inclined to Cultural similarities and easy communication, which contribute to a positive patient experience throughout their medical journey.
• Highly skilled Medical Professionals – Nigerian patients appreciate the efficiency and professionalism of Indian healthcare facilities and Doctors’ expertise and experience, enabling them to receive prompt medical attention. Moreover, streamlined appointment processes and shorter waiting times for appointments and procedures in Indian hospitals ensure timely access to healthcare services for Nigerian patients.
• Visa for Medical Treatment: India offers a medical visa category for patients travelling to the country specifically for medical treatment. This visa facilitates the entry and stay of patients and their accompanying family members.
• Alternative and Traditional Medicine: India offers a diverse range of medical treatments, including modern allopathic medicine, traditional Ayurvedic treatments, and alternative therapies, which can cater to a wide variety of medical needs.
• International Patient Services: Many hospitals in India have dedicated departments or international patient services to assist foreign patients with travel arrangements, accommodation, language assistance, and more.

Lastly, India’s reputation for medical tourism and positive patient outcomes further encourages Nigerians to choose India for their healthcare needs. Success stories of patients returning home with improved and better health outcomes serve as testimonials to India’s expertise and reliability in medical services, which makes India a preferred destination for Nigerian patients to seek medical treatment abroad

Medical Treatment for Nigerian Patients in India

There are a number of common medical treatments for Nigerian patients who are travelling to India.

• Cardiac Procedures: Cardiac surgeries, such as bypass surgeries, angioplasty, and heart valve replacements, are commonly performed in India.
• Orthopedic Surgeries: Orthopedic procedures like joint replacements (knee and hip), spinal surgeries, and treatment for orthopedic conditions are popular among medical tourists.
• Cancer Treatment: India offers comprehensive cancer care, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and advanced surgical procedures for various types of cancer.   
• Fertility and Reproductive Medicine: India is a popular destination for fertility treatments, including in vitro fertilization (IVF) and surrogacy.
• Organ Transplants: India is known for its success in organ transplant surgeries, including kidney Transplant, liver Transplant, heart Transplant and bone marrow transplants.
• Neurosurgery: India provides neurosurgical treatments for conditions like brain tumours, epilepsy, and spine-related disorders.
• Ophthalmology: India offers advanced eye care, including cataract surgeries and treatments for various eye conditions.
• Alternative and Traditional Medicine: Some travellers seek Ayurvedic and alternative treatments for holistic health and wellness.
• Bariatric Surgery: Weight loss surgeries, such as gastric bypass and gastric sleeve procedures, are performed in India to combat obesity.

India’s reputation for providing high-quality healthcare services at a fraction of the cost in Western countries has made it a preferred destination for medical tourists from Uzbekistan and other nations. Many hospitals and medical facilities in India are accredited and have a strong track record of successful medical procedures, which further enhances its appeal as a medical hub.

Lastly, Patients from Nigeria travel to various hospitals in India for medical treatment, depending on their specific medical needs and the expertise available at these hospitals. Some of the well-known hospitals in India that are frequently chosen by international patients, including those from Nigeria, for medical treatment in India include:

Best Hospitals for Nigerian Patients in India:

Medical Visa Eligibility from Nigeria to India:

• Applicants for a medical visa to India must have the sole purpose of seeking medical treatment.
• Treatment should be done at recognized and specialized hospitals in India.
• A maximum of two medical attendants, which may include family members, relatives, friends, or associates, are allowed to accompany the patient to India.
• A medical visa is issued and granted for medical treatment such as cardiac ailments, Neurosurgery, Organ Transplants, gene therapy, congenital disorders, Orthopedic Surgeries, Cancer Treatment, and others.

Required Documents for an Indian Medical Visa from Nigeria:

• A completed online visa application form.
• Copies of relevant pages of the international passport and previous passports (if applicable).
• Domestic passport or residence permit.
• ENN Number (Taxpayer Identification Number).
• Confirmed return air ticket.
• An official invitation from the hospital in India concerned, including details such as the patient’s name, passport number, medical condition, treatment details, duration, and cost, should be sent directly to the Embassy’s official contact.
• Medical reports and medical history of the patient with translations.
• Bank statement to demonstrate financial solvency.
• Diagnostic examination reports.
• Details of flight bookings.

Note: Applicants must carry original documents, and close relatives accompanying the patient must provide documents establishing the relationship with the patient. You can apply for a Medical visa at the Indian Embassies in Lagos and Abuja.