Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Federal Minister of Health and Social Welfare has congratulated the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi, on the successful patent registration of GASTROPEX-BH, an indigenous medical innovation developed by researchers from the institution. This was contained in a statement signed by Ado Bako, Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations.
The Coordinating Minister, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, described the achievement as a significant milestone for Nigeria’s health research and innovation ecosystem, noting that it reflects the growing capacity of Nigerian institutions and professionals to develop practical, homegrown solutions to healthcare challenges.
Prof. Pate commended the management, staff, and research team of the hospital for their commitment to scientific advancement, excellence in healthcare delivery, and innovation-driven research capable of improving patient outcomes across the country.
He particularly applauded the innovators from the Department of Surgery, Dr. Aminu Muhammed Umar and Dr. Kefas John Bwala, whose dedication and intellectual contribution led to the development and successful patent registration of GASTROPEX-BH.
According to the Coordinating Minister, the achievement reinforces the importance of sustained investment in research, local innovation, and capacity development as critical pillars for strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system and advancing national health priorities.
He further reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting policies and initiatives that encourage medical research, scientific innovation, and collaboration across health institutions in line with ongoing efforts to transform healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
The Ministry expressed confidence that the achievement will inspire more Nigerian researchers, clinicians, and institutions to pursue impactful innovations capable of advancing healthcare delivery not only in Nigeria, but across the African continent.
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