Townhall: If elected, Atiku dodges health care question

Former Vice-President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Candidate Atiku Abubakar failed to pledge on Sunday that he would use Nigerian health facilities if elected president.

Atiku was one of the Presidential Candidates who participated in the town hall hosted by ARISE Television and the Centre For Democracy and Development (CDD).

Peter Obi, candidate for president of the Labour Party, and Rabiu Kwankwaso, candidate for president of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), were the other two candidates present.

Asiwaju Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was the only invited candidate who did not attend the session when candidates for the highest position in the nation were questioned on themes including Education, Healthcare, Poverty, and Human Capital.

One of the anchors had questioned the candidates if, if elected, they could disclose their health status and use the country’s healthcare facilities.

Kwankwaso, who took the lead, elicited amusement from the audience when he stated that doctors had given him 30 more years to live.

He also stated that he was prepared to reveal his identity and would continue to utilise Nigerian facilities.

Atiku then stated that, if necessary, he will disclose his health status.

When asked if he was willing to utilise facilities within the country, Atiku responded, “The Nigerian health facilities that care for my health may not be available.” You are aware that we have constraints. We have been discussing these restrictions.”

Regarding his promise to make healthcare readily available and affordable, Atiku stated, “I will evaluate the Nigeria Health Insurance Scheme system established during my tenure as president and make it accessible and affordable for all Nigerians.

“We must first solve the fundamental healthcare issue. Then, we may concentrate on the secondary and tertiary levels, which touch the majority of our inhabitants. The truth is that our government does not invest enough in the medical industry.”

Obi stated that he was willing to make his health status public and that he had no objections to using Nigerian hospitals.

He stated that he utilised such services while serving as governor of Anambra.

He stated, “Those who aspire to leadership are expected to make their medical information accessible to the public.” I have also served as a governor. During my time as governor, I revived and utilised several facilities. I continue to use them to this day. If there is a problem with referrals from them, that is, if there is a circumstance that our healthcare can’t handle, I will not argue that everyone must be restricted here. Regarding my perspective, I utilise these facilities and believe in them. And I can attest to their exceptional competence. We need only to have faith in them. I have demonstrated how insurance may be used to demonstrate that everyone can be cared for.”

Medical tourism is a significant concern in the country since wealthy utilise hospitals elsewhere. Since assuming office in 2015, President Muhammadu Buhari has spent at least 225 days abroad on medical travels, according to a study.