Federal Government Approves Major Health Projects in Kano to Tackle Medical Tourism

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The Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, on October 20, announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved seven new mega projects for the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH). The initiative is part of the administration’s efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare delivery system and reduce the country’s dependence on medical tourism.

These extensive projects include the construction and equipping of a new cardiothoracic centre, a paediatric complex, and a students’ hostel at the College of Nursing Sciences. Other developments involve internal road networks for the College of Health Sciences, new classrooms and offices for the School of Health Information Management (SHIM), and interlocking works at the Department of Radiology, the S. S. Wali Centre, and the Speciality Clinic Annexe.

Senator Barau explained that “the projects align with President Tinubu’s commitment to improving specialised healthcare services across the country.”

“One of his programs is to ensure that we improve our healthcare delivery systems in this country, particularly our specialised hospitals,” he said.

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The Deputy Senate President emphasised that these efforts are designed to elevate AKTH into a world-class facility capable of addressing Nigeria’s complex medical needs locally.

“What we are doing now, in terms of trying to develop further and make this institution an advanced, specialised hospital, is in tune with the President’s desire for a sound healthcare delivery system,” the lawmaker said.

Senator Jibrin expressed strong optimism that this focus on infrastructure will soon end the trend of Nigerians travelling abroad for treatment.

“What we are witnessing now, in terms of medical tourism, will soon stop with the necessary investment in our health sector. We have the human resources and expertise to make our hospitals self-sufficient. Senator Barau stated that the current actions of this institution will soon render that trend obsolete.

The new projects are part of the Tinubu administration’s wider “Health Transformation Drive.” Senator Barau reaffirmed the president’s determination to make Nigeria’s healthcare system one of the best in Africa and assured that the National Assembly will continue providing the necessary legislative support for the administration’s health sector reforms.

“We are all working with Mr. President to address the challenges facing our country. What you have seen now is just the beginning. We shall continue to develop this hospital until it becomes the best in West Africa,” he said.

In response, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of AKTH, Prof. Abdurrahman Abba Shehe, commended the Deputy Senate President for his commitment to advancing the hospital’s capabilities.

Senator Barau inspected the projects while accompanied by several colleagues, including Senator Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila, Senator Muntari Dandutse, Senator Babangida Hussaini, and Senator Abdulhamid Malam-Madori.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) And Answers

What major significance was announced for AKTH? 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved seven ongoing mega-projects for the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH).

Who announced the projects? 

The Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin.

What is the goal of these new projects? 

The primary goals are to curb medical tourism, strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare delivery system, and make AKTH a world-class facility capable of addressing Nigeria’s medical needs locally.

What are some of the 7 projects mentioned? 

The projects include the construction and equipping of a cardiothoracic centre, a paediatric complex, a new students’ hostel at the College of Nursing Sciences, internal road networks, and new classrooms and offices at the School of Health Information Management (SHIM).

What did Senator Barau Jibrin say about medical tourism? 

He expressed optimism, stating, “What we are witnessing now, in terms of medical tourism, will soon stop with the necessary investment in our health sector. We have the human resources and expertise to make our hospitals self-sufficient. Given this institution’s actions, the trend of medical tourism will soon become obsolete.