The Federal Government has congratulated the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi, over the successful patent registration of GASTROPEX-BH, a locally developed medical innovation designed by researchers from the institution.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, described the achievement as a major boost for Nigeria’s health research and innovation ecosystem, saying it reflects the increasing capacity of Nigerian institutions and professionals to provide practical homegrown solutions to healthcare challenges.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Ministry’s Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations, Ado Bako, the Minister commended the management, staff, and research team of ATBUTH for their dedication to scientific advancement, healthcare excellence, and innovation-driven research aimed at improving patient outcomes nationwide.
Prof. Pate particularly praised the innovators from the hospital’s Department of Surgery, Dr. Aminu Muhammed Umar and Dr. Kefas John Bwala, for their intellectual contribution and commitment that led to the development and successful patent registration of GASTROPEX-BH.
According to him, the feat underscores the importance of sustained investment in research, local innovation, and capacity development as key pillars for strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system and advancing national health priorities.
The Minister also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting policies and initiatives that promote medical research, scientific innovation, and collaboration among health institutions as part of ongoing reforms to transform healthcare delivery in the country.
The Ministry expressed confidence that the breakthrough would inspire more Nigerian researchers, clinicians, and institutions to pursue impactful innovations capable of advancing healthcare delivery across Nigeria and the African continent.
