By Hassan Zaggi

The United State Government and Cassona Global Imaging Ltd have vowed to tackle medical tourism and reverse it in favour of Nigeria.

To this end, the US government and the Cassona Global Imaging have formally unveiled state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging equipment in Nigeria.

Speaking at the formal launch in Abuja, yesterday, the Chief Executive Officer of Cassona Imaging Ltd, Mr. John Chigbu, reiterated that Nigerian medical doctors are among the best in the world, hence, what they need to function optimally is a conducive environment.

He regretted that lack of access to good and quality healthcare has resulted in the increase in medical tourism predominantly among the privileged elites in Nigeria.

According to him: "We need to reverse this trend. We need medical tourism to come into Nigeria, not the other way around. We need to make quality healthcare accessible to all, not just those who can afford it.

"Cassona Global Imaging plans to set up diagnostic centers and hospitals in Nigeria, equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment. The company will also provide training for healthcare professionals, ensuring that they are proficient in using the equipment.

"We are not just building hospitals, we're building a healthcare ecosystem. We'll provide training, maintenance, and support to ensure that our equipment is always working. If it breaks down, we'll fix it within 48 hours or provide a loaner."

Chigbu further restated the commitment of his organisation to boost the capacity of the country's healthcare system by recruiting and training  local professionals.

He insisted that: "We need to build capacity in Nigeria. We need to train our people to take care of our healthcare needs. That's why we are recruiting Nigerian engineers and healthcare professionals to work with us.

"With Cassona Global Imaging's innovative approach, Nigeria's healthcare sector is poised for a significant transformation, making quality healthcare more accessible and affordable for all."

Speaking, the representative of the US Mission in Nigeria- Commercial Officer from the U.S Department of Commerce, Mr Blake Murray, said that the partnership between the US government and Cassona Global Ltd will, no doubt, boost Nigeria's effort in the fight against medical tourism and also accelerate the growth of the country's health care sector.

The partnership between the US government and the Cassona Global to invest in Nigeria, he  further said, "reflects confidence in Nigeria's trajectory towards strengthening healthcare infrastructure and sustainable development.

"As Nigeria continues to invest in modernizing its healthcare landscape, strategic partnerships with US companies can serve as powerful accelerators.

"Nigerian firms and public institutions collaborating with US, medical suppliers like Cassona have access to original equipment manufacturers, cutting edge technologies, world class standards and critical service and warranty support for new equipment."

Mr. Murray, however, argued that an efficient and resilient healthcare system has the capacity to yield far reaching benefits, improving patient outcomes, reducing costs, expanding access, accelerating emergency response capabilities and advancing disease prevention and control.