With N21bn medical Centre, Presidents no longer need medical treatment abroad - Aisha Buhari

By Egena Sunday Ode

Wife of the President, Dr. Aisha Muhammadu Buhari, has said henceforth, the Nigerian President would not need to travel overseas for medical treatment, following the inauguration of the new N21 billion Presidential/VIP Wing of the State House Medical Center at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Speaking at a brief inauguration ceremony of the Centre on Friday, the First Lady, who accompanied her husband to the event, noted that the facility will stop the need for the president and his family members to go abroad for medical treatment.

The First Lady, who spoke to journalists after President Buhari had cut the tape and concluded a guided tour of the facility, said she bought the idea of executing the project six years ago, following the extended stay of her husband abroad for medical treatment.

She said now that the facility is in place, Nigerian Presidents and their family members will no longer need to go abroad for treatment but may only fly medical experts to assist their colleagues in the country.

On her impression of the new medical center, she said: “I’m quite happy, feeling fulfilled. Though we are leaving but all the same, we thank God the project has come to reality.

“I have opted for it six years now. I initiated this project idea six years ago when my husband spent three months abroad, consecutively, for 90 days. And it shouldn’t be because we have all the experts in Nigeria. We only need a good platform.

“The hospital that is supposed to serve the First Family is serving like 35,000 people which is quite much.

“That’s why I insisted we should have a VIP Wing within the proximity of the presidential villa.”

Also, on whether the medical Centre will now make it unnecessary for Nigerian leaders to go abroad for treatment, she responded: “Yes. This one is for the health and wellness of the First Family. They don’t need to go abroad now. They only need to fly in experts to help our people. “So, no need for any leader to spend months and months abroad because of health care.”

The N21 billion, state-of-thefacility commissioned by President Buhari spans a total floor area of 2,485 square meters, on a suspended floor with a basement, the hospital, which serves as a specialized Intensive Care Centre, caters for the President, Vice President, their immediate families and VIPs. The hospital incorporates state-of-the-art medical technology.

The Presidential/VIP Wing houses several specialized departments, to be staffed by a team of medical professionals, featuring five consultation rooms dedicated to various specialties, including respiratory, cardiology, ophthalmology, ENT, and general consultation.

Additionally, the hospital has a specialized X-ray suite equipped with a digital X-ray machine as well as a diagnostic suite encompassing MRI, CT scan, and endoscopy facilities.

Moreover, patients and visitors can enjoy access to a Healing Garden, designed to foster healing, relaxation, and enhancement of overall wellbeing.

The Presidential/VIP Wing completed well on schedule and on budget, also showcases a Catheterization Laboratory (Cath lab), two operating rooms for regular procedures, and special procedures such as organ transplants.