Former head of state Abdulsalami Abubakar has been featured in an online advertisement by Krishna Shalby Hospital in Ahmedabad, India, following his knee replacement surgery at the facility.
The hospital shared a video across its social media platforms showing Abubakar during his treatment and recovery.
The montage, which carries the taglines “A milestone in international care” and “Clinical Excellence Beyond Borders,” includes photographs and videos of the former military leader undergoing physical therapy and exercises with a nurse.
It also features photographs of some of his associates, including Vice-President Kashim Shettima.
In another video, Shalby Hospitals said VP Shettima met with Vikram Shah to discuss Abubakar’s health. The hospital said the visit “reflects the growing trust in India’s healthcare and Shalby Hospitals’ commitment to caring for patients from across the world.”
In a register at the hospital, Shettima thanked Shah “for taking good care and restoring the vitality” of Abubakar.
It is unclear whether Abubakar consented to the publication of details about his treatment and recovery for promotional purposes.
Abdulsalami Abubakar had previously spoken about a knee problem in 2022 when he cancelled his 80th birthday celebration. “I had a swollen knee and was unable to walk for days in the last week of May,” he told TheCable after cancelling the programme. “After initial care by my doctors, they advised that I should seek further expert care abroad. That was why I had to cancel my birthday programme.”
The hospital’s use of the footage has since generated reactions on social media, with some Nigerians linking it to concerns about medical tourism and the state of healthcare in Nigeria.
African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore criticised the former Head of State over the advertisement. In a post on X, Sowore described the development as a “tragic indictment of failed leadership,” arguing that Nigerian leaders had opportunities to improve the country’s healthcare system but continued to seek treatment abroad.
Sowore also criticised President Bola Tinubu, saying that a hospital in France could one day feature him in a similar advertisement.
His comments have added to the wider debate over Nigerians, particularly public officials and political leaders, seeking medical treatment outside the country.
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