As part of its intervention in critical sectors of the country, the Dangote Foundation, on Tuesday, laid the foundation stone for construction of a 1,00-bed capacity hospital in Northern Nigeria’s Kano State.
The health facility estimated to gulp N2 billion, is part of plans by President of theDangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, to stop the medical tourism, which according to Lamido Sanusi, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), cost the nation N80 billion annually.
A statement by the foundation last night said the medical facility which has been named Mariya Sanusi Dantata Ultramodern Theatre Complex, also comprises a diagnostic laboratory situated within the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital in Kano.
Speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony, the foundation’s Chairman, Alhaji Dangote, said the gesture is to support government’s efforts at achieving a sound health programme for the people.
He noted that only a healthy people can contribute meaningfully to economic growth, adding that the facility “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 improving the health and well-being which is one of our areas of focus. We believe that every Nigerian has a right to quality healthcare. 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 five-storey ultramodern theatre complex.”
Speaking, Kano State Governor, Musa Kwankwaso agreed that the project will eliminate the need to travel out of the country, commending the Dangote Foundation for its numerous interventions in Kano.
He referred to a recent N600 million women empowerment scheme also by the Dangote Group.
Also speaking at the ceremony, Sanusi called on well-to-do-Nigerians to emulate Dangote’s philanthropic spirit.