By Mercy Gadia
The Federal Government 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 at the institution.
In a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, described the feat as a major boost to Nigeria’s health research and innovation ecosystem.
Pate said the development reflected the growing capacity of Nigerian institutions and professionals to produce practical, homegrown solutions to pressing healthcare challenges.
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He commended the management, staff, and research team of the hospital for their commitment to scientific advancement and innovation-driven research.
“The successful patent registration of GASTROPEX-BH is a significant milestone that underscores the potential of our local institutions to deliver impactful healthcare solutions,” he said.
The minister particularly praised the innovators from the Department of Surgery, Dr. Aminu Muhammed Umar and Dr. Kefas John Bwala, for their dedication and intellectual contribution to the project.
According to him, the achievement highlights the importance of sustained investment in research, local innovation, and capacity development as key drivers of a resilient healthcare system.
Pate reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to policies and initiatives that promote medical research, scientific innovation, and collaboration among health institutions.
He added that the government would continue to support efforts aimed at transforming healthcare delivery across the country.
The ministry expressed confidence that the milestone would inspire more Nigerian researchers and institutions to pursue innovations capable of improving healthcare delivery in Nigeria and across Africa.