Mohammed Atiku-Abubakar, the son of former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, on Monday said he has finally been cleared and discharged after 40 days of coronavirus treatment.
He said in a statement, that his discharge could not have come at a better time than in the Ramadan, a season marked by sacrifice and supplication to the Almighty Allah.
He thanked the Almighty God for his recovery from the dreaded infection.
He also expressed his sincerest and deepest appreciation to Nigerians for their prayers and goodwill while he was being treated.
He said,
“In the course of life, we have no idea what will happen to us because only the Almighty God knows our future.
“When the coronavirus first broke out in far away China, I had no idea that I might be one of those to be infected. This is one of the everlasting lessons I can’t forget for the rest of my life. Indeed, I have been humbled by this experience. Words cannot sufficiently convey the depth of my joy over my recovery and discharge.
“Since I tested positive after my return from abroad and my isolation for treatment, I was inundated with incredible expressions of goodwill by Nigerians. This pandemic has united the rich and the poor and, indeed, the rest of the world against this novel lethal virus that has caused economic and social disruptions globally.”
He added,
“No matter our problems, however, we shouldn’t lose hope in our own country. Despite the limitations of our health system, the Federal Ministry of Health and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control have done tremendously well, despite these daunting challenges.
“Our doctors, nurses and other front line health workers also deserve accolades for their sacrifices and professionalism during this challenging period of our country.”
He said every epidemic or pandemic comes with its lessons.
He stated that the coronavirus has caught the world off guard and sent the world reeling for solutions.
According to him, it also revealed the weaknesses of the health systems in the developing world.
He added that it is an eye-opening experience for Nigeria and other developing nations.
Mohammed said,
“Thanks to coronavirus outbreak, we are now coming to terms with the necessity of adequate funding of our healthcare system. This disease has brought the rich, the poor and the powerful to a common level.”
He said this is the time the nation’s policymakers should reset the national priorities and give the health system adequate attention.
He added that Nlno investment in the nation’s health sector is too much.
Mohammed said,
“In October 2016, the then Nigeria’s Minister of State for Health (currently the Minister of Health), Dr. Osagie Ehanire was quoted by The Guardian Newspaper as saying that Nigeria was spending a whopping $1bn annually on medical tourism abroad.’
He said this revelation is a reminder of the urgent need to mobilise resources towards upgrading the nation’s health system in order to render medical tourism almost unnecessary.
According to him, it is time to restore confidence in the nation’s health system.
He said that can only be achieved by adequate investment and funding.
Mohammed said,
“No less important, our policymakers should also adequately fund research in vaccines and other drugs because of the uncertainties and challenges like the coronavirus.
“Once again, thank you for your support and prayers, may Allah show up for you at your appointed time of need. May the Almighty Allah be with all those still in the Isolation Centre and grant them healing.”
