The
Dangote Foundation yesterday began the construction of what has been
described as one of “Africa’s most ambitious health facilities” in Kano
State.
The health facilities will cost Dangote Foundation N2 billion.
President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, said he was planning to build the world’s best hospital in Kano State.
He said the plan would end the medical tourism, which has cost Nigeria billions of naira.
The
hospital, which has been named Mariya Sanusi Dantata Ultramodern
Theatre Complex, has modern facilities, including a diagnostic
laboratory.
The complex would be built within the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital in Kano.
Speaking
at the foundation stone-laying ceremony in Kano yesterday, the Chairman
of the Dangote Foundation Alhaji Aliko Dangote said the gesture was
meant to support government’s efforts at achieving a sound health
programme for the people.
Dangote said only healthy people can contribute meaningfully to the growth of the economy.
He
said: “It is not just about creating a modern, new, sorely needed
medical facility in this great city of ours. It is about our broader
commitment to systematically improve the health and well-being of the
people. This is one of our areas of focus.
“We believe that every
Nigerian has a right to quality health care. We also believe that it is
our collective duty to rally our resources to improve health
infrastructure, support the development of health care professionals and
improve preventive health measures in Nigeria.
“Today, we are
pleased to be able to stand with the Governor as he lays the foundation
stone for the 5-storey ultramodern theatre complex.”
Kano State Governor Musa Kwankwaso said the new facilities would eliminate the need to travel out of the country for treatment.
He
hailed the Dangote Foundation for its interventions in Kano, making
reference to a recent N600 million women empowerment scheme by the
Dangote Group.
Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi said medical tourism cost Nigeria about N80 billion annually.
He urged other wealthy Nigerians to emulate Dangote’s philanthropic spirit.
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