Photo: International Patient receiving treatment
By: Ezekiel Njoku
A Nigerian Turkey-based consultant and businessman, Mr George Nwokoro, has urged Nigerians seeking medical treatment abroad to consider Istanbul, Turkey, particularly the Avicenna Hospitals group, describing its services as affordable and supported by modern medical facilities and specialist healthcare professionals.
Nwokoro, who is based in Istanbul, made the appeal in a statement made available to Nigeria News Mark, saying the hospital group offers a wide range of medical services to international patients, including Nigerians travelling to Turkey for treatment.
He said Nigerians could benefit from the hospital’s combination of specialist medical services, diagnostic facilities and patient support arrangements, adding that the cost of treatment was relatively affordable compared with the quality of services offered.
According to him, Avicenna Hospitals has been providing healthcare services since 1992 and currently operates four hospital locations across Istanbul.
He said the facilities cater to both Turkish residents and international patients seeking medical attention for various health conditions.
Nwokoro described the hospital group as a destination worth considering for Nigerians exploring medical tourism, noting that its services cover general healthcare, specialist consultations, surgical procedures and post-treatment care.
He said, “Avicenna Hospitals is a private hospital group in Istanbul, Turkey, providing general and specialist medical services to both Turkish residents and international patients, including people travelling from Nigeria and other countries for medical treatment.
“The hospital has been providing healthcare services since 1992. It operates four hospital locations across Istanbul and offers modern medical facilities, specialist doctors, diagnostic services and surgical treatments.”
The businessman listed several medical departments and specialist services available at the hospital group, saying they could address different healthcare needs.
Some of the services, according to him, include cardiology and cardiovascular surgery, kidney care and internal medicine, oncology, neurosurgery and neurology, orthopaedics and trauma care, general surgery, urology, gynaecology and maternity services.
Others are eye treatment, physiotherapy and rehabilitation, plastic and cosmetic surgery, hair transplantation, dental care, obesity management and weight-loss surgery.
Information published on the hospital’s website also lists other specialist departments, including paediatrics, dermatology, gastroenterology, ear, nose and throat treatment, intensive care and radiology.
Nwokoro said the hospital’s range of services could make it a consideration for Nigerians who need specialist medical attention and are exploring treatment options outside the country.
He identified the hospital’s international patient department as another important feature, explaining that it provides assistance to foreign patients before, during and after their treatment.
According to him, the department helps patients obtain preliminary medical assessments, develop treatment plans and arrange appointments with relevant specialists.
He added that the support services include airport pickup, hospital and hotel transfers, accommodation arrangements, visa assistance, language interpretation and the preparation of medical reports.
He said the hospital also provides follow-up support for patients after treatment.
The hospital’s official international patient services information confirms that its support arrangements include medical assessment, appointment scheduling, airport-hospital-hotel transfers, accommodation assistance, interpretation and post-treatment follow-up.
Nwokoro maintained that such arrangements could make the process less stressful for Nigerians travelling abroad for medical attention, particularly those unfamiliar with Turkey’s healthcare system.
He urged Nigerians interested in medical tourism to obtain adequate information about available treatment options, costs and the qualifications of medical professionals before making travel arrangements.
He also advised prospective patients to seek medical opinions and treatment plans before travelling, rather than making decisions solely on the basis of promotional information.
Medical tourism has become an option for patients seeking specialist healthcare outside their home countries, with Turkey among the destinations offering a combination of medical services and international patient support.
Nwokoro expressed optimism that greater awareness of the available healthcare options in Istanbul would encourage more Nigerians to explore the city as a possible destination for specialist medical treatment.
