- Shehu said Buhari’s frequent medical trips abroad were a matter of choice and not a rejection of Nigeria’s healthcare system, but a matter of personal preference.
Garba Shehu, former media aide to the late President Muhammadu Buhari, says his principal’s decision to seek medical attention abroad was not propelled by lack of confidence in the Nigerian healthcare system.
Recall that Femi Adesina, another former spokesperson of Buhari, who led the media and publicity team of the former president alongside Shehu, claimed Buhari was not treated in Nigeria during many of his prolonged illnesses because the Nigerian healthcare system was not equipped to provide him with the kind of medical care he needed.
Adesina also said that Buhari would have died a long time ago if he had relied solely on Nigerian hospitals.
Countering his former colleague’s claim, Shehu said Buhari’s frequent medical trips abroad were a matter of choice and not a rejection of Nigeria’s healthcare system, but a matter of personal preference.
The former newspaper editor made this clarification during an appearance on Inside Sources, a Channels Television programme.
Shehu said Buhari remained under the care of Nigerian doctors throughout his Presidency.
“I think it is wrong to assume that he fenced himself off from the Nigerian medical system.
“He had a Nigerian doctor — a chief personal physician and a State House Clinic, also led by a medical consultant, a distinguished doctor of many years of practice,” Shehu said.
Shehu stressed that the late former President’s medical team was always available to meet his immediate health needs.
While acknowledging Buhari’s consistent trips abroad for treatment, Shehu said this was due to the President’s longstanding medical relationship overseas.
He also highlighted the presence of Nigerian-trained doctors working globally, noting that their competence is recognised worldwide