Indian hospital uses Abdulsalami’s image in promotional advert after surgery
Former Nigerian Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar has been featured in promotional material by an Indian hospital following his knee replacement surgery at the facility.
A video circulating on social media shows Abubakar receiving treatment at Krishna Shalby Hospital in Ahmedabad, India, including footage of him walking and exercising after the procedure.
The hospital has also used images of Abubakar and Vice-President Kashim Shettima in posts promoting its services to international patients.
In an Instagram post on Monday, the hospital said Shettima visited the facility and met its management to discuss Abubakar’s progress and wellbeing.
The hospital described the visit as a reflection of the “growing trust in India’s healthcare” and its commitment to caring for patients from around the world.
“When patients travel across borders for specialised care, their trust means everything,” the hospital said.
It is unclear whether Abubakar’s treatment was fully sponsored by the Federal Government.
However, under the Remuneration of Former Presidents and Heads of State (and Other Ancillary Matters) Act, former Heads of State and their immediate families are entitled to free medical treatment in Nigeria and treatment abroad where necessary at the expense of the Federal Government.
The law also provides other benefits, including diplomatic passports, protocol privileges, official vehicles, office and residential accommodation, security and annual vacation at government expense.
The 2026 federal government budget provides N2.3 billion for the entitlements of former presidents, Heads of State and their deputies.
Nigerians react
The hospital’s use of Abubakar’s treatment in its promotional material has sparked reactions from Nigerians.
Activist and presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore was among those who reacted after sharing the promotional video on X on Tuesday.
“This is former Nigerian Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, being used in a hospital advert after undergoing knee replacement surgery in India,” Sowore said.
He questioned why Nigerian leaders who had opportunities while in government to develop the country’s healthcare system continue to seek specialised treatment abroad.
Sowore described the development as a reflection of “decades of failed leadership and neglect of Nigeria’s healthcare system”.
A lawyer, Aloy Ejimafor, also criticised the development in a Facebook post.
Ejimafor described it as a “diplomatic insult” for an Indian hospital to use Abubakar’s image in an advertisement for knee replacement surgery in India.
Medical tourism
Abubakar’s treatment abroad comes amid a long-standing pattern of Nigerian political leaders seeking medical care outside the country.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari, for instance, faced repeated criticism over his medical trips to the United Kingdom while in office.
Nigerian doctors and other critics have argued that the practice undermines confidence in the country’s healthcare system, particularly because political leaders control public investment in the sector.
In April 2025, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Muhammad Pate said Nigeria loses an estimated $2 billion annually to medical tourism.
Pate made the statement at the commissioning of a 50-bed specialist hospital in Lagos, where he said the figure reflected gaps in confidence, access and quality in Nigeria’s healthcare system.
“This is not just about stopping medical tourism. It is about building health sovereignty, the ability of a country to care for its own people, develop its institutions, talent, and innovation,” Pate said.
