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| Late Buhari and his cows |
By Staff
The London Clinic, following the death of Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari, has come under public scrutiny over its reputation as one of the United Kingdom’s most exclusive private hospitals.
Buhari passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the Harley Street-based hospital after reportedly suffering a relapse just hours before his anticipated discharge.
According to Buhari’s nephew, Mamman Daura, the former President was in high spirits on the eve of his death and was being prepared for discharge when his health suddenly deteriorated.
“I left him about 9 pm on Saturday in high spirits and promised to see him on Sunday afternoon. He was looking forward to his doctor’s visit on Sunday morning. But around midday, he started having breathing challenges and doctors rushed to his side to try and manage it. But unfortunately, around 4.30 pm, he gave up the ghost,” Daura stated..
Although the exact cause of death was not made public, Buhari had a history of recurring health issues. His former spokesperson, Garba Shehu, announced the death on Sunday.
“The family of the former president has announced the passing of the former President, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, this afternoon in a clinic in London. May Allah accept him in Aljannatul Firdaus,” Shehu said.
Details About The Hospital Where Buhari Died
Founded in 1932, The London Clinic has long been recognised as a haven for global elites seeking world-class medical care. It is situated in London’s medical district on Harley Street and has served members of the British royal family, world leaders, and affluent patients from around the globe.
The facility is best known for its expertise in cancer care, digestive health, orthopaedics, robotic surgery, and intensive care.
Its 2021 financial report revealed that the hospital sees over 120,000 patients annually and operates with more than 900 surgeons and physicians. The hospital houses 13 intensive care beds, 10 operating theatres, five Macmillan Cancer Support Centres, and offers advanced robotic surgical technology including the da Vinci Xi and Excelsius GPS systems.
The hospital’s reputation for excellence comes at a significant financial cost. UK-based Nigerian doctors familiar with the clinic revealed that consultations range from £100 to £750, CT scans cost around £500, and major surgeries start at £10,000 and can reach £13,000, depending on their complexity.
Accommodation charges are equally steep. A standard room costs between £1,000 and £1,800 per night, while luxury or VIP rooms range from £1,800 to £2,500 per night. Admission to the Intensive Care Unit can cost up to £3,500 per night.
A 2023 study by the National Institutes of Health estimated that general ward bed spaces at the hospital cost an average of £586.59 per day, excluding other potential charges tied to individual treatment plans.
Speaking to reporters, a UK-based Nigerian doctor familiar with the hospital’s operations, described it as one with advanced facilities, a high-profile clientele, and world-class medical expertise.
According to him, patients pay between £100 and £750 for consultations, depending on the complexity of their case.
The Nigerian doctor, who stated that he knew two fellow Nigerian doctors who had once worked at the hospital, mentioned that a Computed Tomography scan (CT Scan) at the hospital costs approximately £500, while major surgeries range from £10,000 to £13,000.
He said, “In terms of accommodation, the pricing structure is also tiered. A standard room goes for £1,000 to £1,800 per night. Luxury/VIP room is between £1,800 to £2,500 per night; while the Intensive Care Unit admission costs about £3,000 to £3,500 per night.
“The clinic is known for its advanced equipment, specialist services, and highly qualified professionals. It’s a facility designed for complex and high-risk cases.”
The doctor said the two respected Nigerian specialists who used to work at the hospital were an orthopedic surgeon and a respiratory consultant.
According to the female doctor, the clinic primarily caters to the super-rich, noting that patients are charged thousands of pounds daily for specialised services, particularly in intensive care and private suites, where discretion, luxury, and top-tier medical attention are guaranteed.
“It is the best and largest private clinic in the United Kingdom. It deals with surgery, robotic surgery, ENT surgery, plastic surgery, and the best in specialised services,” she said.
She added that the hospital is equipped with advanced da Vinci Xi, ExcelsiusGPS, and NAVIO robotic surgical technology, a 3 T Siemens MRI, multiple CT scanners, a PET-CT, ultrasound, digital mammography, and other cutting-edge diagnostic systems.
In terms of staffing and expertise, the doctor said, “The clinic boasts an impressive roster of professionals with renowned specialist consultants, many of whom are Fellows of the Royal College of Surgeons and hold additional high-level certifications.”
However, according to a study by the National Institutes of Health, the cost of a bed space at the general ward is around £586.59 per bed day.
“These costs may not include other potential fees or charges associated with your specific treatment plan,” the report noted.
According to the hospital’s website, its ICU boasts a Standard Mortality Rate of 0.7, one of the best in the UK, and has consistently maintained low death rates.
The hospital wrote, “Our Standard Mortality Rate averages around 0.7, which the Critical Care Peer Review states ‘would put the unit in the top 10% of the country’ and has consistently maintained low death rates, all of which are reviewed at Mortality and Morbidity Meetings within the clinic.
“Patient Experience feedback continues to demonstrate 95-100% satisfaction with their treatment across the MDT with numerous comments and compliments mentioning excellence in staff attitude, caring, compassionate, along with recognition of speciality surgical support and rehabilitation.”
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