Aisha Buhari, the wife of President Muhammadu Buhari, says the Presidential/VIP Wing of the State House Medical Centre at the Presidential Villa in Abuja would reduce the need for overseas treatment of government officials.

Aisha said she advocated for the VIP Wing of the State House Medical Centre six years ago when President Buhari had to seek medical care abroad.

The First Lady, who thanked her husband for the completion of the facility, said the medical centre will provide medical services for the family of Nigeria’s President and leaders and allow international experts to complement the local medical staff.

She said this at the commissioning of the medical centre by President Buhari in Abuja on Friday, May 19.

Speaking at the event, the President said the medical centre will boost health infrastructure in the country, calling for the judicious use of the facility to maximize its benefits.

He expressed satisfaction with the fully-equipped and operational medical facilities at the centre, noting that in the past eight years, holistic health care has been given priority.

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During his tour of the facility, President Buhari interacted with the local medical staff who received specialized training on handling the advanced equipment available at the facility.

On his part, the Permanent Secretary of the State House, Tijjani Umar, explained that the VIP facility is intended to be a one-stop shop for the provision of medical services to the President, Vice President, and their families as well as other VIPs.

“The establishment of the facility reflects Mr President’s commitment to prioritizing the health and well-being of Nigerians,” Umar said.

The Permanent Secretary hailed the efforts of President Buhari and expressed gratitude to the First Lady for her unwavering support and advocacy for the project.

He also lauded the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Chief of Staff to the President, and the Minister of Finance, Budget, and National Planning for their contributions to the completion of the facility.

Umar also commended the contractor, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, for its commitment, competence, consistency, and exemplary workmanship, which he said played a significant role in the successful and timely completion of the project without exceeding the allocated budget.

Accompanied by Aisha, members of his family, Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, and others, President Buhari toured the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory (CathLab), Operating Rooms for regular and specialized procedures, Intensive Care Unit, Specialized Infectious Disease Isolation Suites, and Specialized consultation rooms.

The Star