Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, says Nigeria is on course to end medical tourism by building a healthcare system that meets global standards.
Speaking on Sunday during an inspection tour of seven major projects he facilitated at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Barau said the initiatives align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at strengthening the nation’s health institutions.
“Our goal is to make our hospitals so good that Nigerians will no longer need to travel to Egypt or India for medical treatment,” he said. “We already have the human resources and expertise to transform our health sector if we invest properly.”
The projects, according to the lawmaker, are designed to upgrade AKTH into a specialised medical centre capable of providing world-class care. They include the construction and equipping of a cardiothoracic centre, a paediatrics complex, classrooms and offices for the School of Health Information Management (SHIM), a student hostel at the College of Nursing Sciences, and road and interlocking works across the hospital.
Barau, who was accompanied by four senators, said the efforts reflect President Tinubu’s vision for a strong and accessible healthcare system for all Nigerians.
“This is just the beginning,” he assured. “We will keep developing AKTH until it becomes the best in West Africa.”
He further pledged that the National Assembly would continue to support the executive arm through legislation and oversight to ensure the success of ongoing health reforms.
In his remarks, the Chief Medical Director of AKTH, Prof. Abdurrahman Abba Sheshe, commended Senator Barau for his commitment, noting that the projects would greatly enhance healthcare delivery and academic development at the institution.
Also, the Vice Chancellor of Bayero University Kano (BUK), Prof. Haruna Musa, expressed appreciation, noting that within two months of assuming office, Senator Barau had already attracted two major projects to the university.
“Senator Barau’s commitment is evident, and we are proud of the support he continues to give to BUK and AKTH,” the Vice Chancellor said.
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