Commentaries | Nov 27,2021
Nine months ago, Worku Hailu found himself in India, thousands of kilometres from home, undergoing a kidney transplant. After learning that the procedure wasn’t available in Ethiopia, he had to take matters into his own hands. “My doctors at Paulos Hospital helped me communicate with Apollo Hospital in India, and they accepted my request. I went with my two nieces, completely footing the bill from our own pockets.”
What was supposed to cost 15,500 dollars ended up being much more expensive. The four-hour surgery wasn’t the hardest part, though. “I had a breathing problem afterward, and they inserted a tube into my chest, which was more painful than the transplant itself,” he explained, recalling the pain. Now a father of four, Worku reflects on how tough the time was for his family. But thankfully, the procedure was a success, and he’s in good health today. While kidney transplants are now available locally at Paulos Hospital, many patients like him still feel forced to seek treatment abroad due to the limitations of Ethiopia’s healthcare system.
The story of Worku is not unique. Medical tourism is becoming increasingly common among Ethiopians for several reasons including inadequate facilities, outdated equipment, and insufficient medical expertise. Non-communicable diseases like heart conditions and cancer are particularly challenging to treat in Ethiopia. Many patients report seeking specialized care abroad because their conditions are beyond what the country’s healthcare system can handle.
“Most cases that are sent abroad involve heart disease, bone, and lung problems,” explained Desalegn Zegeye (PhD), technical director of the not-for-profit Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI). These treatments require modern technology and skilled professionals, both of which are in short supply locally. As a result, patients often look to countries like India, which offers advanced care at a fraction of the cost compared to Western countries.
Cost is a significant factor for medical tourists. While Ethiopian hospitals may offer lower-cost care, the trade-off is poor service and long wait times. Patients who can afford private hospitals tend to choose them, but others look to travel abroad for quicker and more reliable solutions.
Hermela Abebe, general manager of Herms Consultancy and a former patient care coordinator at a hospital in Thailand, explained the trend from a travel agent’s perspective. “People prefer to go abroad because they don’t want to wait. It’s not about what Ethiopia can offer; it’s about timing and quality,” she said. According to her, many patients are willing to spend their savings or even sell property to fund overseas treatments. The irony is that while many medical procedures are available in Ethiopia, the healthcare system’s inefficiency forces patients to look elsewhere.
"Foreign currency shortages are a huge problem," Hermela pointed out. The government has tried to address this issue by regulating the process through which patients get foreign currency for medical purposes.
A medical board of three doctors from the institution reviews patients' cases, sending a letter to MoH if approved. Upon confirmation from the Ministry, the case is forwarded to Banks for foreign currency allocation purposes.
For those like Almaz Abdissa, medical tourism was more than just about the quality of care—it was a matter of affordability and timing. Ten years ago, she received free medical treatment in Ghana through a special program. However, the experience wasn’t without its challenges. “I stayed for three months, and the language barrier was hard. The food was different, and the entire process was scary,” she said.
Weyneshet Abera shared a similar experience about her niece, who also received free treatment in Ghana five years ago. Although the thought of sending a child abroad for surgery was terrifying, the family’s hope for her recovery outweighed their fears. “We were afraid, but we prayed and wished for the best,” Weyneshet said. In both cases, the overseas treatment was life-changing.
However, these experiences are rare. For most, the cost of traveling abroad for healthcare is prohibitive, which is where medical travel agencies step in. These agencies arrange discounted flights, accommodations, and transportation for patients, ensuring that they receive the care they need as seamlessly as possible. According to Hermela, their job doesn’t end when the patient returns home. “Video consultations and follow-up appointments are necessary, especially for complex cases. Most treatments require more than one session,” she explained.
Ethiopia’s healthcare challenges are not limited to cost and quality. Corruption, long waiting lists, and unreliable medical practices plague public hospitals. Hermela expressed her frustration with the system. “Hospitals here are still using backward equipment. People would rather sell their house than wait for treatment,” she said bluntly. The sentiment is widespread, with many patients simply unwilling to trust the care they receive in local hospitals.
Bezawit Wendimu (MD), in her experience working at the government-owned Zewditu Hospital, saw people often waiting too long to access medical help. “Patients come to hospitals when they’re already in severe stages, and by then, it’s much harder to treat them,” she explained. This delay in treatment is a major contributor to the demand for medical tourism, as patients feel they can’t afford to wait for their turn with local medical institutions.
The Ethiopian government has acknowledged these issues and has been working to develop a national specialty and subspecialty service roadmap. This initiative aims to improve the quality of care within the country and reduce the outflow of patients to foreign hospitals. However, until the country’s healthcare system can reliably meet the needs of its population, medical tourism will likely continue to grow.
Authorities look to curb the outflow of patients seeking medical care abroad. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has gone as far as to ban government ministers from traveling abroad for healthcare. During the opening of the Defense Specialized Referral Hospital in May in Bishoftu, he made it clear that officials should now seek treatment within Ethiopia.
Medical tourism is a complex issue with no easy solutions. Leaving the country for treatment isn't a luxury. Ethiopia’s healthcare system is improving, but for many, the race against time and illness means leaving the country is still the best option.
PUBLISHED ON
Oct 06,2024 [ VOL
25 , NO
1275]
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