The criticism surrounding President Muhammadu Buhari and prominent politician Bola Tinubu‘s decision to seek medical treatment abroad has deepened as Atiku Abubakar‘s spokesman, Daniel Bwala, openly criticizes their choice, News About Nigeria reports.
Bwala argues that both officials’ medical needs could have been adequately met within Nigeria’s healthcare system, reigniting the ongoing debate surrounding medical tourism and the state of healthcare in the country.
President Buhari’s extended stay in the United Kingdom for a dental procedure and Tinubu’s trip to Europe, which was initially presented as a business engagement, have drawn skepticism and disapproval.
Bwala asserts that Tinubu’s visit to Europe was, in fact, for medical purposes and not for the officially stated business reasons.
In a tweet, he expressed his discontent, stating, “Tale of a country; two presidents. Substantive one and selected one: Both are out of the country as of today on medicals. One calls his own dental care; the other calls his own official visit. Their medical needs can adequately be met in Nigeria’s hospitals, public or private. Sad.”
Bwala further emphasizes the need to establish a world-class health clinic in Nigeria specifically dedicated to serving officials protected under section 308, which grants them immunity from prosecution.
According to Bwala, such a facility would ensure that the medical care of these officials is sufficiently provided for by their respective governments, rather than resorting to seeking treatment abroad.
He believes that unless Nigeria establishes this specialized healthcare center, the nation’s national security will remain under threat.
The criticism raised by Atiku’s camp highlights the glaring disparity between the medical privileges enjoyed by top officials and the average Nigerian citizen. While Buhari and Tinubu have the means to seek medical treatment abroad, many Nigerians lack access to quality healthcare services.
This discrepancy underscores the urgent need for Nigeria to invest in its domestic healthcare infrastructure, enhancing the capacity of hospitals and medical professionals to cater to the needs of the entire population.
The controversy surrounding Buhari and Tinubu’s medical trips abroad brings attention to the larger issue of healthcare inequality in Nigeria.
It prompts discussions on the necessity of redirecting resources towards improving medical facilities, training healthcare professionals, and strengthening the overall healthcare system. By doing so, Nigeria can work towards providing accessible and high-quality healthcare services for all its citizens.
Furthermore, the absence of key officials due to medical reasons raises concerns about national security and governance. Bwala’s remarks shed light on the potential risks associated with top officials being away from the country for medical treatment.
Establishing comprehensive and advanced healthcare facilities within Nigeria would not only address these concerns but also reduce the country’s dependence on foreign medical care.
