The Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, has strongly condemned former presidential spokesperson, Femi Adesina, for his recent reckless comments about the state of Nigerian healthcare sector, describing it as an “insult to Nigerians.”
Adesina had during a Television interview, stated that late former President Muhammadu Buhari would have died long ago if he had sought treatment in a Nigerian hospital.
Adesina who served Buhari’s administration from 2015 to 2023, also claimed that Nigerian healthcare facilities lacked the equipment and expertise needed to manage his Principal’s condition, hence the resolve to seek in a London.clinic.
But teacting to the statement, Chairman of the NMA, Rivers State chapter, Dr. Diamond Tamunokuro, in an interview with Daily Post, said Adesina’s remarks were deeply insulting to the millions of Nigerians who relied on the same health system for everything from basic care to specialized treatment.
Tamunokuro described the comments as admission of failure on the part of Adesina and the Buhari’s administration which he served for eight years to improve the nation’s healthcare sector.
He called on Nigerians to hold political leaders accountable and question whether they genuinely have the country’s best interest at heart or are simply in government for personal enrichment.
“It’s an insult on well meaning Nigerians to hear such statements from politicians and political appointees.
“I mean, there are Nigerians in this country that receive healthcare from the same healthcare system that Mr. Femi Adesina just completely abused and ridiculed.
“And they receive all kinds of treatments from basic medical treatment to specialist treatment. And they have lived even longer than the late president lived.
“So, for him to make such a statement, it means that he has clearly said that himself and the administration he served under was a complete failure, particularly in terms of healthcare.
“Nigerians should actually rise up and begin to ask politicians whether they mean well for the country or they are there for just feeding fat and just extend their pockets,” the Rivers NMA chairman said.
He added that doctors in Nigeria are sacrificing everything day to improve on the health system in the country.
Tamunokuro emphasized that rather than constantly seeking treatment abroad, Nigerian leaders should channel public resources into strengthening the country’s healthcare infrastructure.
“Just for emphasis, doctors in Rivers State and doctors in Nigeria are sacrificing everyday to improve on the health of Nigerian citizens.
“And healthcare is expanding. And the scope of care received is increasing by the day and people are receiving quality healthcare and they’re living quality lives.
“What we need to get from government is to create the needed environment for our healthcare to improve from where it is today.
“Rather than running abroad to receive care, politicians should invest money in healthcare and see how the quality of care received by Nigerians is better than what it is today. And that is what we expect to hear from them.
“We expect that going forward, Nigerians should ask politicians clearly what their interests are when it comes to healthcare and the quality of healthcare that Nigerian citizens should get,” he added.
Late former President Buhari died on Sunday July 13, 2025, in London at a private clinic at the age of 82 after a prolonged illness.
He was buried at his hometown in Daura, Katsina State on Tuesday July 15, 2025.
