VON DG says he made 'medical tourism' comments, not VP

The Director General, Voice of Nigeria (VON),

While representing the Vice President at the Premium Times Healthcare Seminar in Abuja on Thursday, August 24, 2017, the VON DG bemoaned how medical tourism has cost the country billions of dollars.

He had said, "We want to stop that trend because it is draining our reserves."

The comments were largely attributed to the Vice President and was ridiculed in relation to President Muhammadu Buhari's recent 103-day medical leave in the United Kingdom.

In reaction to the backlash that the comment has caused, Okechukwu released a statement on Friday, August 25, saying the comments were his personal views and do not represent that of the Vice President.

The statement read, "While I stood in for the Vice President at the said event, I also did express my own views at the said seminar, including those regarding the Medical Tourism and the attendant concerns and challenges.

"These views as stated during the event are not to be attributed to Prof. Osinbajo.

"For the avoidance of doubt, I spoke in the context that President Muhammadu Buhari's health plan will drastically minimize Nigerians expenditure on medical tourism.

"I cited for instance the loans meant for the establishment of health system projects and standard medical facilities in the $29.9 billion soft loan basket pending at the National Assembly."

President Buhari's medical vacation had led to a lot of controversies that revolved around the mystery around his health and the cost to the tax payers.

He returned to the country on Saturday, August 19, after 103 days before resuming his official duties that he had transferred to the Vice President in an acting capacity.