When considering Nigeria as a possible destination for your summer holiday, you probably concentrate on your desired accommodation and facilities, or the attractions, trips and events on offer. It is unlikely that you will consider the consequences of illness or injury while on your perfect holiday. However, when travelling, it is crucial to know where to turn for help, including hospitals in Nigeria, if the worst were to happen.
Prevention is the Best Cure
Planning for your holiday health begins before you leave. The first thing to do is to check your travel or health insurance and see whether your destination is covered. If not, you may want to think about buying additional cover, and if it is, check the small print to ensure that any activities you are likely to take part in are also included in your insurance policy; look for restrictions and any changes to your health that may affect your cover.
Visit your doctor or local vaccination centre and check the vaccinations required for your destination. Leave enough time to complete any courses of injections. Check whether you will need malaria tablets and whether they, or any other vaccinations, will interact with any other medication you are already taking. It is also a good idea to ask about diarrhoea medication that could save you from an unnecessary trip to one of the many hospitals in Nigeria.
While packing for your holiday make sure that you include any medication, in its original packaging. A separate list of any conditions, treatments or medication you may have should be carried with you at all times; if you are then taken into hospital in Nigeria, the doctors will be able to diagnose and treat you more quickly and effectively. It is also a good idea to pack a basic first aid kit to help you with minor pain, sickness and injuries.
How to Cope with Illness During the Holiday
If you do fall ill or get injured during your holiday, your first option should always be your own first aid kit or your hotel’s first aid station. If you have internet access, you can also try Adoghe’s Online Public Health Clinic; they offer a range of health tips, including facts about well known diseases, common to the region.
If your illness or injury is more severe and a doctor or hospital is required, you should contact your travel insurance provider as soon as possible. They will be able to tell you whether you are covered and may be able to recommend which of the hospitals in Nigeria offer suitable treatment.
Hospital Services in Nigeria
Hospital services in Nigeria vary and many are reliant on either private funding or help from religious organisations. However, there are companies and groups of people attempting to improve healthcare facilities across the country, especially in Lagos. One company in particular, which has been involved in providing new facilities and defining new standards of care, is Deux Projects Ltd. Lead by its CEO, Olatunji Kayode Olowolafe, the company is building not only new hospitals, but research facilities, diagnostic centres and maternal and childcare facilities.
The improvements in healthcare aided by the work of Dr. Olowolafe mean that Nigerians have access to better diagnostics, healthcare and aftercare. It also means that visitors to the country have a greater selection of facilities to choose from, in the event of an injury or illness, in turn helping to increase tourist travel to the country and aid its economy.
Written by: Abiola Alabi is a Nigerian blogger, journalist and writer. He is particularly interested in infrastructure development and urban renewal in and around the burgeoning metropolis of Lagos. Abiola closely follows the work of Olatunji Kayode Olowolafe CEO of Deux Projects focusing on the long term gains in economic development that comes with improved healthcare standards and infrastructure development.