By Adeleye Kunle
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo chose to have his thigh surgery in Nigeria for nationalistic reasons, according to presidential sources on Sunday evening, TrackNews reports.
Laolu Akande, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity in the Vice President’s Office, announced on Saturday that Osinbajo had been scheduled for surgery.
He later stated that the operation was successful and that the Vice President would be admitted to the hospital for a few days.
According to sources close to the Vice President, Osinbajo chose to have the procedure performed in Nigeria to boost confidence in the country’s medical system and reverse medical tourism.
“Although his doctors advised him to consider having the surgery to repair a fracture in his right femur (thigh bone) done abroad, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo insisted on using a Nigerian hospital and medical experts for the procedure.”
“According to sources close to Duchess International Hospital, where the operation took place on Saturday, some of the VP’s government and private practice doctors made the suggestion because the option of going abroad is often considered by such class of patients, and at times the option may also appear more seamless,” a source said.
Dr. Yemi Onabowale, the founder of the Reddington Hospital and one of the experts who coordinated the operation, was quoted as saying, “The VP was clear that he had confidence in Nigerian doctors both at home and abroad and would prefer they handle the operation.”
The Vice President is also said to have argued that performing the operation in Nigeria would not only encourage local doctors, who are among the best in the world, but would also help to build the country’s medical infrastructure.
Confirming the story, a senior Presidential official who requested anonymity said the VP was given the option of traveling abroad but chose to stay in the United States.
“According to the VP, most people are unaware that these facilities exist.” In addition, we have some of the best doctors in the country,” the official stated.
