Nigeria can handle Buhari's health

Mike Ogrima, the president of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), has debunked claims that Nigerian doctors could treat President Muhammadu Buhari, who is currently in London.

On Monday, June 6, the presi

dent left Nigeria for United Kingdom where he is billed to see an ear, nose and throat specialist to treat an ear infection.

Buhari has come under fire following his medical trip, especially after his government barred officials from similar trips, except for cases that cannot be handled in Nigeria.

Ogrima, a professor of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery at the Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, said that Nigerian medical personnel could handle the president’s health challenge.

The NMA president stated this on Thursday, June 9, while briefing journalists in Jos, Premium Times reports.

“We have 250 TNC surgeon doctors all over Nigeria, capable of handling the health challenge President Muhammadu Buhari is being faced with,” he said.

However, Ogrima revealed that most hospitals in the country lacked basic equipment to carry out the treatment.

“Maybe the equipment will not be available for treatment, but we have qualified TNC surgeon doctors,” he added.

Ogrima noted that Buhari decided to travel on a medical vacation following the recommendation given by his doctor.

According to the professor, there is nothing wrong for the president’s personal physician to recommend that he should travel overseas for further medical attention.

“We do not know the reason for his referral to UK for treatment because the present administration had made clear that it was not in support of Nigerians seeking medical attention outside the country,” he said.

Meanwhile, Enabulele Osahon, the vice president of Commonwealth Medical Association,expressed disappointment over Buhari’s medical trip to London.
He said it was a national shame that the president had to be recommended for foreign medical care despite the presence of over 250 ENT specialists and professors in Nigeria, as well as a National Ear Centre located in Kaduna state.