Nigeria's former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, has been featured in promotional materials by an Indian hospital following his knee replacement surgery at the facility. The video, which has gone viral on social media, shows the former Nigerian leader receiving care at Krishna Shalby Hospital in Ahmedabad, India, including footage of him walking and undergoing rehabilitation exercises after the procedure.
The hospital has used images and videos of Abdulsalami's recovery to promote its services to international patients, highlighting the treatment as an example of its healthcare offerings. In an Instagram post on Monday, the Indian hospital said Vice President Kashim Shettima visited the facility and met with its management to discuss Abdulsalami's progress and wellbeing.
The hospital described the visit as a reflection of "growing trust in India's healthcare" and its commitment to treating patients from across the world. "When patients travel across borders for specialised care, their trust means everything," the hospital said. It is not immediately clear whether Abdulsalami's treatment was fully sponsored by the Nigerian government.
However, under the Remuneration of Former Presidents and Heads of State (and Other Ancillary Matters) Act, former Nigerian leaders and their immediate families are entitled to medical treatment abroad where necessary at the expense of the Federal Government. The law also provides other benefits, including diplomatic passports, security, official vehicles, accommodation and other privileges.
The 2026 federal budget reportedly allocated N2.3 billion for the entitlements of former presidents, heads of state and their deputies. The hospital's use of Abdulsalami's treatment in its promotional material has sparked reactions from Nigerians, with some questioning the development against the backdrop of Nigeria's healthcare challenges.
Activist and presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore shared the promotional video on X, criticising the continued reliance of Nigerian leaders on foreign healthcare systems despite their years in public service. Barrister Aloy Ejimafor also reacted to the development, describing the hospital's use of Abdulsalami's image as a "diplomatic insult" in a Facebook post.
The controversy comes amid renewed debate over medical tourism by Nigerian political leaders. Critics have long argued that the frequent treatment of Nigerian public officials abroad highlights weaknesses in the country's healthcare system, while government officials have continued to point to gaps in specialised medical services. In April 2025, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, said Nigeria loses an estimated $2 billion annually to medical tourism.
Key points
- The hospital's use of Abdulsalami's treatment in its promotional material has sparked reactions from Nigerians.
- Critics argue that the frequent treatment of Nigerian public officials abroad highlights weaknesses in the country's healthcare system.
- Nigeria loses an estimated $2 billion annually to medical tourism.
