Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo chose to undergo a surgical procedure on his right femur (thigh bone) at a local hospital because “He had confidence in Nigerian doctors both at home and abroad,” a consultant who operated on the VP has revealed.
Osinbajo, on Saturday, successfully underwent leg surgery on his leg at the Duchess International Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos.
The operation is “possibly related” to a longstanding injury associated with a game of squash, the VP had revealed in a tweet.
According to a senior official in the Presidency who pleaded anonymity, some of the government and private practice doctors of the Vice President suggested he travels out of the country as this is “often usually considered by such a class of patients and at times the option could also seem more seamless.”
“But he insisted on using a Nigerian hospital and medical experts.
“The VP’s view is that most people don’t even know the facilities exist here. Besides, we have some of the best doctors available anywhere,” the official stated.
Speaking on the VP’s decision, the founder of the Reddington Hospital who is also one of the doctors coordinating the surgery, Dr. Yemi Onabowale, said “the VP was clear that he had confidence in Nigerian doctors both at home and abroad and would prefer they handle the operation.”
According to Onabowale, Osinbajo’s preference to have the surgery done in Nigeria is also being regarded as a major boost for the government’s oft-stated objective of a reversed medical tourism as some voices in the healthcare sector have expressed excitement at the VP’s choice.
He also argued that undergoing the operation locally would not only encourage Nigerian doctors who, he said, are among the best anywhere in the world, but it would also help develop the capacity here in Nigeria and further build on the medical infrastructure in the country.
After the surgery late Saturday, the hospital management revealed that Osinbajo would be discharged within the next few days.
Punch
