The rebuttal from the People’s Democratic Party to President Buhari’s stance on seeking medical treatment abroad emphasizes that the President leads in the number of Nigerians seeking foreign medical assistance. The party’s response, released on Sunday, January 5th, highlights the contradiction in the President’s position, noting that he himself seeks medical care outside the country.
The statement points out the irony of a President who avails himself of foreign medical services while his administration fails to provide adequate healthcare domestically, and criticizes his attempt to discourage others from seeking medical treatment abroad.
The party expresses disapproval of widespread foreign medical tourism by leaders and public office holders, especially given the neglect of the healthcare system under the Buhari-led All Progressives Congress (APC) administration.
The rebuttal draws attention to the degradation of the healthcare system and the impact on infrastructure, equipment, and the healthcare workforce. It also highlights the degradation of health programs and the National Health Insurance Scheme, which it accuses the APC administration of mismanaging.
The statement emphasizes that under previous People’s Democratic Party (PDP) administrations, modern medical equipment and technologies were available in federal medical institutions, addressing various ailments that currently prompt Nigerians to seek treatment abroad. It also raises concerns about the inadequate budget allocations for healthcare under President Buhari.
The party urges President Buhari to go beyond rhetoric and take tangible steps to improve the nation’s healthcare system, ensuring that Nigerians have access to adequate and affordable healthcare at all levels.