By Vera Anyagafu
Many Nigerians residing in the UK are increasingly opting for medical treatment in Nigeria, pointing to perceived indifference of some UK primary care providers and steep healthcare costs as major issues.
KayceeUnscripted spoke with some of them who voiced their frustration and disillusionment with the UK’s healthcare system, criticising some of the Primary Care Providers and claiming they are made to feel like they are not worthy of proper care when they seek help.
“I feel like I’m treated like trash when it comes to getting an appointment,” says Jane, a Nigerian mother and small business owner in Stoke-on-Trent.
“As an immigrant, I was required to pay a health surcharge fee as part of my visa application. I thought this would guarantee me access to quality healthcare in the UK. Unfortunately, my experience with my General Practitioner (GP), in other words, Primary Health Provider, has been disappointing”, she narrated, saying that “Despite paying the surcharge, I struggled to get a satisfactory response from my GP.
When I called to report feeling unwell, the doctor, on the other end, was dismissive and rude. He even questioned my honesty, saying he could hear sounds indicating the movement of vehicles around me and implying that I was making up my symptoms.
I was shocked and hurt by his response. I’m not asking for special treatment, just basic care and respect. It’s disheartening to feel like I’m not being taken seriously.
My National Health Service (NHS) number didn’t seem to matter in this situation. I’m left wondering if the health surcharge fee is just a way to generate revenue without providing adequate service, “she lamented.
Jane’s experience is not isolated. Others shared similar stories of long wait times, rushed consultations, and a general sense of being overlooked and lack of empathy and understanding.
A Nigerian IT professional in London, Michael, told KayceeUnscripted, “Sadly, the high cost of private healthcare in the UK is another factor driving Nigerians to seek treatment at home.
According to him, “I am paying taxes for the NHS, but when I need care, I’m told to wait or pay thousands of pounds for private treatment.
I felt like just another number, not a person. When my child got sick, I flew back to Nigeria for treatment. The care was excellent, and it was affordable.
In Nigeria, doctors take the time to listen and explain things properly.”
He added that medical bills in the UK can be ‘crippling’, saying, “I was quoted £4,000 for a simple procedure. In Nigeria, it would have cost a fraction of that.”
Also, a Nigerian adult nurse in Hertfordshire who prefers anonymity recounts a disturbing experience.
He said a doctor dismissed his patient’s symptoms, attributing them to ‘Nigerian culture’.
“I had to insist on further tests.
Language barriers and cultural differences also lead to subpar care. These challenges prompt many Nigerians to seek care back home, where costs are lower and cultural familiarity is greater, “he added.
KayceeUnscripted also learned that discrimination and bias are concerns, according to an anonymous healthcare worker.
For instance, some Nigerian patients reported being misdiagnosed or having their symptoms dismissed as ‘cultural issues’.
Another case involved a Nigerian woman being stereotyped as ‘hysterical’ during a medical emergency.
Further investigations revealed a case where timely treatment was denied due to alleged ‘language barriers’, even though the patient spoke fluent English.
“I’ve seen Nigerians treated differently. It’s disheartening.
Dealing with healthcare systems abroad can be overwhelming, and insurance issues usually make things worse, “the healthcare worker said.
“As a Nigerian living and working in the UK, I know firsthand how tough it can be to navigate the NHS,” said another healthcare worker.
According to her, “It feels like we are not being heard. I’ve heard stories from friends and community members who have faced similar challenges, feeling dismissed or stereotyped by their Primary Healthcare Providers.”
Kayode, a Nigerian worker in Tottenham stadium, Tottenham London, puts it this way, “Sometimes, I feel like I’m not understood.
These experiences are all too common, and it’s time for change. We need a healthcare system that listens and responds to our unique needs.
Until then, it’s no wonder many of us opt for treatment back in Nigeria, where we feel understood and get the care we need, literally.”
A Nigerian doctor in Lagos, Dr. Obidi also weighed in, disclosing that Nigeria’s booming medical tourism industry is cashing in on this trend, with hospitals and clinics offering specialised treatments and packages for Nigerians abroad.
“I have seen more Nigerians from the UK seeking quality, affordable care at home due to concerns about negligence and subpar treatment abroad.
They are opting for care back home that meets their standards, stressing the harsh reality they face with their UK Primary Healthcare Providers.
“The UK’s NHS seems overstretched, and private care is expensive,” he added.
This growing trend highlights the harsh realities Nigerians face while seeking healthcare abroad, making a strong case for strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system to support its diaspora and locals alike, as well as the need for accessible, patient-centered healthcare globally.
