The Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, has reaffirmed that the federal government’s resolve to transform the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) into a world-class health facility that will reduce medical tourism and strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Speaking during an inspection visit to ongoing projects at the hospital on Sunday, Senator Barau said the interventions are in line with President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to improving specialized medical facilities across the country.
“We have what it takes to deliver the best medical care to our people. We have the human and financial resources; what is needed is to harness them to create platforms for quality healthcare delivery.
“By God’s grace, AKTH will become one of the best hospitals, not only in Nigeria but in West Africa,” he declared.
He explained that the projects, when completed, would discourage Nigerians from seeking treatment abroad, saving the country scarce foreign exchange.
“We want to stop people from traveling to Egypt or India for medical attention. With facilities like these, Nigerians will get the same quality of care here at home,” Barau said.
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The lawmaker also linked the initiative to efforts to tackle the “Japa syndrome” in the health sector, noting that improved infrastructure and better working conditions would encourage health professionals to remain in the country.
Some of the projects inspected, include the cardiovascular and thoracic centre, paediatrics complex, twin theatre complex, student hostels for the college of nursing sciences, classrooms and offices at the school of health information management, and several road and interlocking works within the hospital premises.
The AKTH’s Chief Medical Director, Prof. Abdulrahman Sheshe, said the projects, which began in 2020, aim to expand services and introduce new specialties such as open-heart surgery, pediatric mental health care, and adolescent medicine.
He revealed that the facilities are expected to be completed and commissioned by 2026, adding that the upgrades would not only improve patient care but also retain skilled medical personnel within the country.
