Buhari Wasn’t Snubbing Nigerian Doctors – Garba Shehu Breaks Silence On Foreign Medical Trips

Garba Shehu, former media aide to the late ex-president Muhammadu Buhari, has clarified that Buhari’s frequent medical visits abroad should not be seen as a rejection of Nigeria’s healthcare system.

This clarification comes in response to recent comments by Femi Adesina, another former presidential spokesperson, who suggested Buhari might not have survived had he relied solely on Nigerian hospitals, citing a lack of sufficient expertise locally.

Appearing on Inside Sources, a Channels Television program, Shehu countered Adesina’s claim by emphasizing that Nigerian medical professionals consistently attended to Buhari during his presidency.

“It’s incorrect to suggest he distanced himself from Nigeria’s medical system,” Shehu said. “He had a Nigerian chief personal physician, and the State House clinic was run by a highly experienced medical consultant.”

Shehu added that Buhari’s local medical team was always on hand to manage his immediate health needs. “They were always present to care for him,” he noted.

While acknowledging Buhari’s preference for treatment abroad, Shehu said this stemmed from familiarity and not a lack of trust in Nigerian healthcare. “His continued visits abroad were more about personal attachment to previous doctors rather than disbelief in Nigeria’s medical system,” he explained.

Shehu also praised the competence of Nigerian-trained doctors, highlighting their global reputation. “Many Nigerians traveling abroad often find themselves being treated by Nigerian doctors or surgeons,” he said.

Buhari passed away on July 13 in a London clinic after battling a long-term illness. He was laid to rest on July 15 at his Daura home in Katsina State.