Why Osinbajo opted for surgery in Nigeria — Presidential sources

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo opted to have his thigh surgical procedure in Nigeria because of nationalistic considerations, presidential sources explained on Sunday evening.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Office of the Vice President, Laolu Akande, on Saturday, announced that Osinbajo had been scheduled for a surgical procedure.

He later informed the operation was successfully carried out, adding the Vice President would be on admission at the hospital for a couple of days.

However, sources close to the Vice President revealed that Osinbajo opted to have the procedure performed in Nigeria to reinforce confidence in the nation’s medical and reverse medical tourism.

“Although his doctors advised him to consider doing the surgical operation to correct a fracture on his right femur (thigh bone) abroad, the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo insisted on using a Nigerian hospital and medical experts for the procedure.

“According to sources close to Duchess International Hospital, where the operation took place on Saturday, some of the government and private practice doctors of the VP made the suggestion because the going abroad option is often usually considered by such class of patients and at times the option could also seem more seamless,”a source said.

One of the experts who coordinated the operation, Dr. Yemi Onabowale, who is the founder of the Reddington Hospital, was quoted to have said: “The VP was clear that he had confidence in Nigerian doctors both at home and abroad and would prefer they handle the operation.”

The Vice President was also said to have argued that doing the operation in Nigeria would not only encourage local doctors who are among the best anywhere in the world but also further build on the medical infrastructure in the country.

Confirming the story, a senior Presidential official, who pleaded anonymity, said it was true the VP was given the option to go abroad but opted to do it here.

“The VP’s view is that most people don’t even know the facilities exists here. Besides we have some of the best doctors available anywhere,” the official said.

Leave a Reply