Why Nigerians Seek Medical Treatment Abroad

The popularity of Medical treatment abroad is expanding globally mainly due to its greater capacity to provide safe, high quality treatments to those who cannot receive comparable care in their country of origin; many turning to India and Israel.

Medical Tourism once broadly focused on provision of health care and emergency treatment provided by higher-income countries to less developed nations, has since expanded to include patients from many parts of the world to countries with the full range of health care system infrastructure and modernity. Medical Tourism (MT) has become particularly popular in the United States, mainly due to high living costs and costly health services and care. In the United States, a staggering 50 million people are uninsured and over twice as many are uninsured for dental care. Nevertheless, insurance may not cover specific treatments and many are unable to meet the financial requirements specified for medical procedures that they require.

Therefore, Americans have many reasons for seeking treatment elsewhere - since it has also become easier over time to receive the treatment they need that is on average 30% cheaper than in the United States. They can also receive the quality and safety that equals national standards for the very same procedure. Furthermore, patients reap the benefits of getting medical care and treatment while they travel and vacation.

In the modern MT industry, international patients can be rest-assured that in nearly all countries, patients receive quality treatment in the same hospitals that also serve the local population. Services are provided by licensed professionals who maintain international accreditations that adherence to strict medical protocols.

MT is forecasted to expand even further, becoming an increasingly global phenomenon. Along with its growth, affordable and highly sophisticated diagnostic tools that guide the development of innovative treatments. Renowned specialists work with international patients; contributing to the growth of the industry and its success through expertise in specific branches of medicine. Today, an astounding 7 million people have travelled the globe for medical services for procedures like heart transplants to cosmetic surgery and dental care.

MT allows those seeking care to obtain treatment for conditions requiring procedures and processes that would be otherwise unobtainable in their home country; specifically in countries with a medical infrastructure, that lacks important resources for health care delivery.

The MT industry strengthens local economies and provides important employment opportunities of countries that offer medical treatment to foreign patients. Patients worldwide are drawn to new and efficient treatments that have become more cost-effective in places such as Israel and India – this includes complex surgical procedures. Other popular destinations for Medical treatment abroad include Thailand, Singapore, and Mexico.

India often attracts patients that require orthopedic and cardiac surgeries, as well as IVF and oncological treatment. Complications have arisen in incidents of malpractice, lack of comprehensive follow-up care and other difficulties that result in patients seeking services elsewhere. India also has a long rainy season (monsoon) that makes the country difficult to navigate due to weather conditions from May to September – which may affect a patient’s decision to travel to India, especially if the patient is living with a chronic disease.

India is emerging, creating new departments within government-managed facilities to serve medical tourists and working to improve the coordination of healthcare services.  In addition, India aims to promote traditional and alternative medical care through the incorporation of yoga and ancient medicine - Ayurveda.

Israel’s rising popularity as a destination for MT originates from its dynamic tourist attractions, high quality and safe medical procedures and leading doctors, all of which continue to evolve, advancing its successful medical services. In 2014, the Medical Tourism Index (MTI) ranked Israel highly as third in a list of top destinations for medical treatment around the world. Israel uses the most modern techniques for medical practice through the incorporation of advanced screening techniques, laboratory analysis, and individualized treatment. In addition, Israel’s industry, pioneering in the production and development of bio-medical devices, such as the ReWalk exoskeleton.

Bordering the Mediterranean Sea, Israel is an easily accessible destination to access from many countries of the world.  The beaches of Israel are among the finest in the world and enjoyed by patients who stay for post-operative care (following orthopedic surgeries, for example) who simultaneously can enjoy their vacationing period and save money on their medical care.

Israel has successfully established its medical presence on a global scale, including plans for developing Israeli clinics within Russia, as Israel is a popular destination for many Russian patients, as well as in Cyprus; where medical facilities in the countries seek to employ Israeli doctors. Many esthetic and reconstructive surgical techniques of Israeli doctors are implemented within hospitals across the globe.

As mentioned, medical successes in Israel, such as success rates for IVF (In-vitro fertilization) are significantly higher (25-30%) than global averages for procedures of this type and performed at a fraction of the cost than most other countries. Cardiac surgery is another main branch of medicine that attracts tourists to receive care in Israel with many successful bypass surgeries performed. In addition, a large proportion of Israel’s medical tourists come for various cancer treatments.

Furthermore, Israel is known as a country that is focused on health and wellness. The Dead Sea, a natural water source is rich with unique mineral salts, known to have miraculous healing properties to treat a multitude of conditions that range from eczema to rheumatoid arthritis.

Globally, Medical treatment abroad continues to flourish, with greater accessibility to innovative treatments and medical technologies, many foreign patients can take full advantage of what the industry has to offer. Before traveling for a medical procedure, all prospective patients should consider and remain aware of all possible complications regarding treatment abroad. Patients should ensure that the hospital of choice for treatment is fully accredited, equipped, as well as a trusted and registered medical tourism provider for safe and effective medical practice.

Playboy's first non-nude issue debuts its cover

The first non-nude Playboy magazine cover, and a few more inside pics, were released on social media Thursday.The first non-nude Playboy magazine cover, and a few more inside pics, were released on social media Thursday.

The March 2016 issue debuts the men’s magazine’s much talked about transition from women in their birthday suits to women in their swimsuits (or the clothing equivalent).

The first cover gal is a 20 year-old model named Sarah McDaniel and the issue’s theme is, not surprisingly -- social media. 

Ernest Hemingway’s great-grand daughter Dree Anderson also makes an appearance in the magazine as its first non-nude centerfold, wearing a revealing white button down and skivvies. (Her mother Mariel appeared in the magazine in 1982.)


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Playboy model Katie May dead at 34

A Playboy model dubbed the “Queen of Snapchat” has died after suffering a catastrophic stroke, TMZ is reporting. She was 34.

Katie May, who was also a single mother and a marketing partner for a sports betting website, had the stroke Monday in Los Angeles, her family told the gossip website.

The blonde bombshell had struggled with neck pain recently and tried to get treatment before a blockage in May’s carotid artery caused the massive stroke, according to her family. The report didn’t list where she was receiving medical care.

Posts circulating on social media Thursday claimed the mid-30s model has died. Representatives for her listed modelling agency, management team and the sports betting site didn’t immediately respond to requests for her health status Thursday night.

Playboy magazine called May the Queen of Snapchat in a feature this past fall called “Social Media Stars.” She also posed for Sports Illustrated magazine in November. Her sexy Instagram feed has drawn over 1.9 million followers.

May grew up in a small town outside Pittsburgh, where her parents worked as teachers and she was a cheerleader for her high school’s football team, she told Huffington Post in an interview last month. May said she later worked as a cheerleader at both the Super Bowl and the Pro Bowl.

Yet she didn’t start modelling until she decided to do a photo-shoot while jogging home from taking her daughter to school, she said. Her marketing work for the sports betting site and app, JetBet, stems from her other earlier job in public relations, she told Huffington Post.

“I'm showing people you can be intelligent and a model,” she said. “You can do more than sell protein and tea on social media and you don't have to be a movie star or musician to have influence.”

Her last Instagram post, from Monday, didn't suggest she had medical problems. The photo showed her from behind in a skimpy bikini.

"Hope everyone is having a great Monday!" the caption read. "It's very windy here today in LA."


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We ‘ll help you fight corruption, NPAN tells FG

The Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), Thursday, reiterated its commitment to the fight against corruption in the country ,insisting that it had always been in the vanguard of the fight and that it was not ready to stop now. 

The assurance was given by the President of the Association, Mr. Nduka Obaigbena , while receiving the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji. Lai Mohammed , on a courtesy call on the Association at its Secretariat in Maryland , Lagos

 ” We will help you fight corruption because it is antithetical to development” he stressed.

On hand to receive the minister among others , were the Publisher of Vanguard newspapers, Mr. Sam Amuka, Mal. Ismaila Isa, both Life Patrons of the Association, former governor of Ogun State,Chief Segun Osoba, Mr. Ray Ekpu (both past Presidents of the Association) as well as Executive Council members and other members of the Association. 

Mr. Obaigbena who is also the Publisher of Thisday newspapers, in welcoming the new vista with which the goverment is pursuing its anti- corruption drive, noted that more mileage would be garnered and the campaign more enduring, if government fights corruption by building strong institutions.

To achieve greater result, he said it was imperative to first find the root cause of corruption, avoid arbitrariness and follow the rule of law . Also, there was a need to respect the doctrine of innocence under which an accuse is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

It would be unjust and unfair to lump people together, and label everybody thieves, without separating the wheat from the chaff,he added. 

In his address, the minister sought the support and cooperation of the media owners, adding that it was not the intention of the government to intimidate anyone or group of persons. 

Goverment’s current drive he argued, was motivated by the higher ideal of bringing happiness to the greater number of the citizenry. This he said would remain an illusion without curing the corruption cancer that had eaten deep into the nation. 

Mohammed drew a nexus between corruption and development, explaining that it would be difficult to develop infrastructure like roads, railway, schools, etc if government revenues are stolen. 

Taking on the economy without first fighting corruption, he argued, would be an exercise in futility. 

He recalled his earlier pronouncement how the nation could be transformed into an eldorado, providing roads, schools, hospitals etc , if the funds stolen had been judiciously applied. 

For instance, he said the total amount Nigeria was seeking to borrow from the World Bank or the African Development Bank or others is $3.5 billion, adding that if only a few who had stolen from the nation’s revenues had returned a fraction or that the issue of the $20 billion had been resolved, the nation would not need to borrow. 

Mohammed said in the next few weeks government would be launching a National Re – orientation Campaign tagged ” Change begins with me”. The campaign is to compliment other campaigns already launched such as National Security Awareness Campaign and the National Sensitization Campaign Against Corruption He pleaded for the support of the media for the new campaign. 

Others on hand to receive the minister included Deputy President and Chairman, Media Trust, Mal. Kabiru A. Yusuf, the General Secretary and Publisher of the Source Magazine, Comfort Obi, President of Leadership Group and former Presidential aspirant, Mr. Sam Nda-Isaiah, Assistant Secretary and Publisher of Blue Print newspapers, Alh. Mohammed Idris,Group Managing Director of Champion Newspapers, Mrs Nwadiuto Iheakanwa and President of Tell communications, Mr. Nosa Igiebor. 

Also present were Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Editor-in-Chief, The News, Gbenga Adefaye, Editor-in-Chief of Vanguard ; Publisher of Daily Times, Mr. Fidelis Anosike, Mr.Ted Iwere, Managing Director of Daily Independent, Mannging Director of New Telegraph, Mrs Funke Egbemode and Deputy Managing Director of The Sun, Mr. Steve Nwosu.


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Task Force arrests suspects over oil pipe blasts, Niger Delta

The Joint Military Task Force a.k.a. Operation Pulo Shield, protecting oil facilities in Niger Delta, says it has arrested suspected vandals behind recent bombing of line pipes in the region.

Spokesman for Operation Pulo Shield, Col. Isa Ado, said in a statement that the arrest followed a charge by the Commander of the Joint Force, Maj.-Gen. Alani Okunlola to apprehend those behind the acts.

Ado said in the statement that the suspects, who are in custody, were being interrogated to ascertain their degree of involvement and to help in arresting others.

The statement said patrols in the region had been intensified to ensure that all the suspected militants behind the line pipes sabotage were brought to book.

“Operation Pulo Shield remains determined to track and arrest perpetrators of the recent multiple attacks and bombing of some oil pipes and installations across Niger Delta Region.

“Some suspects were arrested and currently undergoing thorough preliminary investigation to ascertain their degree of involvement before handing them over to prosecuting agencies, while effort is on to track and arrest fleeing vandals.

“The arrest was due to highly intensified Patrols and Cordon and Search of the waterways, creeks and communities by the Joint Force.

“It is in line with the directives of the Commander, Operation Pulo Shield, Major General Alani Gafar Okunlola to apprehend those behind the criminal act”, said the statement.

The statement quoted the commander of the Joint force as assuring the people of Niger Delta of Operation Pulo Shield’s determination to wipe out all acts of illegalities in the region.

It called on the people to give useful information that will aid the joint force in its operations in line with its mandate in the Niger Delta.

It warned the perpetrators of the crime to desist from further destruction of oil facilities or be ready to face the wrath of the law.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), recalls that a blast on a crude and gas line pipes at Escravos, Delta, resulted in the shut down of Warri and Port Harcourt refineries and cut in gas supply to some power plants.

Another blast on Agip’s facility on Jan. 28 resulted in a drop by 16,000 barrels out of Agip’s 40,000 barrels daily export from Brass Oil Export Terminal of Bayelsa coastline.