The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, has described the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari in a London hospital as a wake-up call for Nigerian leaders to urgently revamp the nation’s ailing healthcare system. According to Archbishop Martins, the former president’s death highlights the need for improved healthcare delivery in Nigeria, rather than relying on medical tourism.
In a condolence message to Nigerians, Archbishop Martins expressed his sorrow over Buhari’s passing and called on governments at all levels to reform the country’s healthcare system. He decried the lack of adequate medical facilities in Nigeria, saying it poses a significant threat to many lives, particularly those who cannot afford to travel abroad for medical care.
The archbishop emphasized that Buhari’s death in a London hospital is a stark reminder of Nigeria’s overreliance on foreign medical care, which is not only costly but also unsustainable. He noted that nearly every healthcare professional is waiting for an opportunity to leave the country, only to be treated by the same professionals who left Nigeria’s system. This, he said, is a clear indication of the need for strategic investments in Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure, medical training, and public health systems.
Archbishop Martins urged President Bola Tinubu and all levels of government to treat Buhari’s death as a wake-up call to make urgent and strategic investments in Nigeria’s healthcare system. He emphasized that the government should prioritize developing healthcare delivery and facilities in the country to stem the tide of medical tourism.
The archbishop’s call to action comes amid growing concerns about the state of Nigeria’s healthcare system. Many Nigerians have been forced to seek medical care abroad due to the lack of adequate facilities and expertise in the country. Archbishop Martins’ statement serves as a reminder of the need for comprehensive healthcare reform in Nigeria.
By investing in Nigeria’s healthcare system, the government can improve the quality of life for its citizens, reduce the burden of medical tourism, and create a more sustainable healthcare system. As Archbishop Martins noted, “We must move beyond condolences and tributes. Now is the time for real reform. We owe it to the living, not just the dead”.
