The National Association of Resident Doctors has berated the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) over the timing of his two week medical trip to London.
The news about Buhari’s medical trip was contained in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina titled “President Buhari billed for routine medical check-up in London.”
The development is coming at a time physicians under the aegis of Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors have declared their intention to commence a strike on April 1.
Adesina stated that the president was expected back in the country in the second week of April after what he called “a routine medical check-up.”
The news of Buhari’s travel did not go down well with resident doctors across the country.
Speaking exclusively with WuzupNigeria, NARD president, Dr. Uyilawa Okhuaihesuyi described the action of the president as insensitive.
“That the president is leaving this country for London on medical trip for two weeks is the more reason why we have to embark on the April 1 strike,” he said.
A visibly angry Okhuaihesuyi told WuzupNigeria that NARD members received the news of his proposed travel with mixed reactions.
He expressed concerns that the president’s body language clearly shows that he has no interest in the welfare of doctors as well as the wellbeing of patients seeking wellness in the nation’s underfunded health sector.
“In fact, because of his action, our members felt this is the best time to go on strike to show the nation the deplorable state of our health sector. It is so glaring to the extent that the president of a nation is leaving us when there is fire in the health sector.
“It shows that there is lack of commitment from the side of the government. It is quite sad and disheartening. He is leaving us in limbo at this stage when we are in crisis. It still sounds a bad joke,” he bemoaned.
