Ibadan – Prof. Jelili Akinwande has advised the Federal Government to diversify into dental tourism sector so as to generate more revenue for the country.
Akinwade is a Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Department of Dental Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos.,
He gave the advice on Wednesday in Ibadan at the 11th Annual Scientific Conference and All Fellow’s Congress of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the lecture was “Dental Tourism Inflow: A Veritable Tool for Economic Development’’.
The dentist said that most countries with seemingly buoyant economy rely on other sectors like dental tourism and it was obvious that dental tourism inflow could serve as a veritable means for Nigeria economic development.
He said that dental tourism involved individual seeking dental care outside their local health care systems and may be on a vacation.
“Today tourism is a major source of income for many countries and affects the economy of both the source and host countries.
“Dental tourism is growing as the world becomes ever more interdependent and competitive.
“This would give Nigerians seeking specialist dental treatment abroad confidence to stay in Nigeria to receive the treatment when they see outsiders seeking Nigeria’s services.
“It would create wealth leading to creation of employment and reduction of crimes,’’ Akinwande said.
The Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, said that health has long been established not just as consumption good but also an investment commodity.
Adewole, who was represented by Prof. Temitope Alonge, Chief Medical Director, University College Hospital, Ibadan, said that health has a profound effect on the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita.
The minister said that it was obvious that the country can make health a priority issue as a potential reason for seeking more funding.
“This seems more urgent today in Nigeria given the fiscal constraints facing the country even in the face of rising needs for such resources.
“The need for a well functional health system has thus become necessary for the country to attain greater quality of health for its citizens,’’ Adewole said.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo commended the organisers of the programme for choosing the topic in view of current challenges facing the country.
Dignitaries at the occasion were Prof. Ademola Olaitan, President National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria; Prof. Oluwole Atoyebi, College Registrar, Olubadan of Ibadanland, and Oba Saliu Adetunji, among others. (NAN)