The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has condemned recent remarks made by former presidential spokesperson, Femi Adesina, describing them as insulting and a reflection of the failure of the administration he served.
Adesina, during a television interview, claimed that the late former President Muhammadu Buhari might have died earlier if he had relied on Nigerian hospitals for treatment, stating that the country lacked the equipment and expertise to manage his health condition, which is why he was flown to London.
Reacting to the statement, the Chairman of the NMA in Rivers State, Dr. Diamond Tamunokuro, said Adesina’s comments were not only disrespectful to Nigerian medical professionals but also to the millions of citizens who rely on the local healthcare system for survival.
“It’s an insult to well-meaning Nigerians to hear such statements from someone who served in a government that had the power to fix the same health system he now mocks,” said Tamunokuro.
He stated that many Nigerians receive both basic and specialist care from public hospitals and live long, quality lives—despite the challenges in the system.
Tamunokuro pointed out that Adesina’s remarks effectively admitted that the Buhari administration failed in its responsibility to improve the health sector. He called on citizens to begin questioning the intentions of politicians, especially those who neglect local services only to seek medical care abroad.
He also praised Nigerian doctors for their sacrifices, stating that many are working under tough conditions yet providing lifesaving care daily.
“The solution is not to travel abroad,” he added. “It is to invest in our health system so that Nigerians can access even better care here at home.”
Former President Muhammadu Buhari died in London on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 82 after a prolonged illness. He was buried in his hometown, Daura, Katsina State, on Tuesday, July 15.
