Strengthening access to healthcare services for international visitors could significantly enhance Ghana’s attractiveness as a tourism destination, according to Dr. Fungisai Nota, Chief Executive Officer of Navala Travel Health.
Dr. Nota said Ghana has made notable investments in healthcare infrastructure, creating a strong foundation for both domestic care and international health tourism. However, he noted that improving how visitors access and navigate these services remains key to unlocking the sector’s full potential.
He explained that many international travellers may not struggle with the availability of healthcare in Ghana, but rather with identifying where and how to access it quickly when needed.
“People are sometimes afraid to travel because they worry, what if I get sick while I’m there? Is the healthcare system going to be able to provide the best care?” he said.
According to him, addressing this gap in accessibility and visibility could help improve traveller confidence and strengthen Ghana’s position as a competitive tourism and business destination.
Dr. Nota said Navala Travel Health was developed to help bridge this gap by connecting travellers to verified healthcare providers and services in real time.
The platform offers telehealth consultations, nurse concierge support, medical referrals, transportation coordination, and pre-travel health guidance to assist travellers before and during their stay.
He explained that the system is designed to respond to common travel-related health concerns such as dehydration, headaches, stomach infections, medication refills, and other minor medical conditions.
“Our goal is to ensure travellers are prepared before they even leave home,” he said.
Dr. Nota added that the platform also supports continuity of care by allowing travellers to link their home-country doctors with healthcare providers at their destination.
He noted that Ghana’s growing healthcare infrastructure presents an opportunity to expand health tourism, but improved visibility and easier access for international visitors will be crucial to achieving that goal.
Beyond emergency response services, the platform also provides preventive care support, including vaccination guidance and personalised travel health planning.
With global travel expected to increase ahead of major international events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Dr. Nota said integrated healthcare solutions will play a growing role in shaping travel experiences.
He stressed that better coordination between healthcare providers and tourism systems could position Ghana as a destination where visitors feel both safe and supported.
Ultimately, he said improving healthcare access and visibility is not just a health issue but a tourism development strategy that could enhance Ghana’s competitiveness on the global stage.
