The Commonwealth Medical Association and the Nigerian Medical Association have urged President Muhammadu Buhari to use the State House Medical Centre in Aso Rock to treat his ailment.
Dr. Osahon Enabulele, vice-president, CMA, said that it was highly embarrassing for political office holders in the country to seek medical care abroad. He also urged the president to lead by example.
He said, “The country needs to think of how to reverse this unfortunate trend. Nigeria is in a recession and this is not the time for us to drain our economy by political office holders, whose expenses are borne by the state. I hope and pray that we will have the right leadership that will act by example to sort this out because that is the first step.
“This would give greater confidence to other Nigerians to explore the available medical services in the country. Leaders at all levels need to look beyond their individualism to say, ‘If I want people to utilise health care services in my country, I have to show that I believe in those facilities by utilising them.”
Prof. Mike Ogirima, president, Nigerian Medical Association, said that Buhari wouldn’t have to travel outside the country for medical treatment if Aso Rock Clinic was well equipped.
“We are appealing to the President to replicate whatever experience he had in London here at home. He should equip our hospitals. We can’t keep funding the Aso Villa Clinic if it’s not being used. That clinic should be equipped so as to cater for the President’s medical need.
“The Federal Government has not been fulfilling an agreement it signed with other members of the Economic Community of West African States to set aside 15 per cent of the budget for the health care sector. If this happens, we would be able to equip our hospitals so that the President wouldn’t need to travel for medical treatment abroad again,” he said.
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