Indian hospital uses ex-Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar in advert

An Indian hospital has featured former Nigerian Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar in promotional material following his knee replacement surgery, Premium Times reports.

The viral video shows Mr Abubakar receiving care at Krishna Shalby Hospital in Ahmedabad, including footage of him walking and exercising after the procedure. The hospital has also used images of Vice President Kashim Shettima, who it said visited the facility on Monday to discuss Mr Abubakar’s progress.

“When patients travel across borders for specialised care, their trust means everything,” the hospital said in an Instagram post.

It is unclear whether the treatment was fully sponsored by the federal government. Under the Remuneration of Former Presidents and Heads of State Act, former Heads of State are entitled to treatment abroad at government expense where necessary.

Activist Omoyele Sowore said the development reflected “decades of failed leadership and neglect of Nigeria’s healthcare system”. Barrister Aloy Ejimafor called it a “diplomatic insult”.