Senator representing Cross River Southern Senatorial District, Gershom Bassey has said that banning political officers from seeking medical attention abroad is unconstitutional.
He said if medical institutions in the country were adequately funded and equipped the political office holders would have no need for medical tourism.
Bassey who spoke to journalists in Calabar said, “If facilities in our hospitals were available and met international standards then all leaders, from the President downward would patronize our facilities”.
Bassey said he was canvassing for total upgrade and overhaul and establishment of reference hospitals across the nation’s six geo-political zones.
“I don’t support the idea of banning political office holders including the country’s president from going abroad for medical attention as a way of boosting our health system”, he stressed.
“There should be a minimum of six special and well-equipped hospitals in the six geo-political zones of the country and whatever we can do to improve health care in our country is welcomed. Such will discourage medical tourism abroad.”
