Nigeria's medical tourism sector has gained attention in recent years as an emerging hub for medical travelers, particularly those from other African countries and parts of Asia (Okeke, 2023). Kano State, located in northern Nigeria, is home to numerous healthcare facilities, including private hospitals and medical centers that offer specialized services, such as surgery, dentistry, and fertility treatments. However, despite the state’s potential to serve as a key medical tourism destination, various factors, such as inadequate infrastructure, security concerns, and limited marketing of its healthcare services, have hindered the sector’s growth. The state’s medical tourism potential is also constrained by competition from established hubs such as India and South Africa, which offer similar services with better global recognition. Evaluating Kano State’s capacity to become a significant player in the global medical tourism industry requires a thorough assessment of its healthcare infrastructure, services, policies, and potential barriers to attracting international medical tourists.
Statement of the Problem
While there is increasing interest in Nigeria’s medical tourism potential, Kano State faces several challenges in positioning itself as a leading medical tourism hub. The state’s healthcare system is still developing, and medical tourism-related infrastructure remains inadequate (Akanbi, 2024). Additionally, the lack of global marketing and branding strategies for Kano’s healthcare offerings further hinders its appeal to potential international medical tourists. Addressing these challenges and capitalizing on Kano’s unique advantages, such as its proximity to West Africa and its growing healthcare capacity, is essential for maximizing the state’s medical tourism potential.
Objectives of the Study
To assess the potential of Kano State to become a hub for medical tourism.
To evaluate the challenges and opportunities in Kano State’s healthcare system for attracting international medical tourists.
To propose strategies for enhancing Kano State’s competitiveness in the global medical tourism market.
Research Questions
What is the potential of Kano State to become a hub for medical tourism?
What challenges does Kano State face in attracting international medical tourists?
What strategies can be implemented to enhance Kano State’s competitiveness in the medical tourism sector?
Research Hypotheses
Kano State does not have significant potential to become a hub for medical tourism.
Kano State faces no significant challenges in attracting international medical tourists.
There are no significant strategies that can enhance Kano State’s competitiveness in the global medical tourism market.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study will focus on Kano State’s healthcare system, infrastructure, and medical tourism potential. It will assess the state’s ability to attract international medical tourists, excluding other states or countries from the comparison. Limitations include potential access difficulties to private healthcare providers and the limited availability of data from international medical tourists regarding their experiences.
Definitions of Terms
Medical Tourism Hub: A location that serves as a global destination for individuals seeking medical care in specialized facilities.
Healthcare Infrastructure: The physical and organizational structures necessary for the provision of healthcare services.
Global Medical Tourism Market: The international industry involving patients traveling across borders to seek medical treatment.
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