The Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire on Friday revealed that Nigeria spends over $1bn annually on medical treatment abroad.

He made the disclosure while speaking commissioning the newly constructed Amenity and Labour wards at the Federal Medical Centre, Jalingo.

He said, “The beautiful edifice I am seeing here today will surely provide world class medical services to the people of this state.

“It will further reduce the high rate of travelling for medical treatment abroad which costs this country over $1 billion annually.”

He said the government was ready to provide medical infrastructure but the doctors and nurses also have roles to play.

He said, “There is a need for doctors, nurses and other health personnel to treat patients with dignity.

“In spite of the state- of- the- art facilities, bad attitude towards patients can be destructive.”

Azeez