London Clinic After Buhari’s Death: Inside the UK’s Elite Medical Institution

The recent passing of Nigeria’s former President Muhammadu Buhari at The London Clinic has cast a renewed spotlight on the ultra-exclusive healthcare facility in the United Kingdom. Long celebrated for its world-class medical expertise and elite clientele, the hospital is now under increased public scrutiny, especially among Nigerians, due to its role in Buhari’s final moments.

According to Buhari’s nephew, Mamman Daura, the late president appeared stable and was in “high spirits” on the night before his death. Daura stated that Buhari was even looking forward to being discharged the next day. Tragically, his condition deteriorated rapidly on Sunday morning, July 13, 2025, culminating in his death around 4:30 p.m.

Though the specific cause of death was not disclosed, Buhari had battled recurring health challenges during and after his presidency. Former presidential spokesperson Garba Shehu confirmed the death and extended prayers for Buhari’s soul, saying, “May Allah accept him in Aljannatul Firdaus.”

The London Clinic: An Elite Health Fortress for the Global Rich

Founded in 1932, The London Clinic is one of the UK’s oldest and most prestigious private hospitals, nestled on the iconic Harley Street. Over the decades, it has earned a reputation for treating members of the British royal family, global political leaders, and high-net-worth individuals from around the world. Its appeal lies not just in luxurious accommodation and discretion, but in its state-of-the-art medical technology and roster of elite specialists.

With over 900 physicians and surgeons on its staff, the facility treats more than 120,000 patients annually. It is especially acclaimed for its services in oncology, digestive health, orthopaedics, and robotic surgery. Notably, the hospital’s robotic technology includes cutting-edge systems such as the da Vinci Xi, NAVIO, and ExcelsiusGPS, offering precision-driven procedures with reduced recovery times.

Beyond its operating rooms, the hospital houses 13 intensive care beds and 10 operating theatres, and has five Macmillan Cancer Support Centres—underscoring its commitment to specialised, high-risk treatments.

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High Cost of Excellence: What It Takes to Be Treated at The London Clinic

While The London Clinic’s services are top-notch, they come at a steep price. Consultations cost between £100 and £750, depending on complexity. Imaging services like CT scans are priced around £500. Major surgeries are even more expensive, ranging from £10,000 to £13,000.

Accommodation adds to the hefty bill. A standard room ranges from £1,000 to £1,800 per night, while VIP suites are priced between £1,800 and £2,500. Admission to the ICU carries a premium of £3,000 to £3,500 per night. A study by the National Institutes of Health in 2023 pegged the average cost of a general ward bed at £586.59 per day—exclusive of medications, consultations, or post-op care.

One UK-based Nigerian doctor familiar with the facility remarked, “It is a hospital for the ultra-rich and for complex medical cases. The expertise, technology, and discretion make it the first choice for high-profile individuals.”

She also emphasized that The London Clinic employs many top-rated consultants, including Fellows of the Royal College of Surgeons, many of whom are globally recognized in their respective specialisations.

Another Nigerian doctor, speaking anonymously to Saturday Punch, said, “I know two Nigerian specialists who worked at the hospital. One was a respiratory consultant and the other an orthopaedic surgeon. The clinic’s environment demands clinical excellence and cutting-edge technology.”

Excellence With a Record: Top-Tier ICU Standards

According to data on the hospital’s website, its Intensive Care Unit boasts a Standard Mortality Rate (SMR) of 0.7, placing it in the top 10% of ICU units across the UK. This figure, as affirmed by the Critical Care Peer Review, indicates outstanding performance in managing critically ill patients.

The hospital’s patient feedback also reveals consistently high satisfaction rates, with 95% to 100% of patients expressing satisfaction with their care. The feedback often praises the hospital’s compassionate staff, specialised surgical care, and smooth rehabilitation processes.

Despite its accolades, the hospital’s name now sits amid public discourse in Nigeria, with many questioning the country’s own healthcare inadequacies that push public officials to seek medical help abroad. Buhari himself had spent considerable time in London hospitals during his presidency for undisclosed ailments, a trend that drew criticism at the time.

The late president’s death in such a prestigious foreign hospital reopens conversations about the state of Nigeria’s health sector, particularly its inability to provide high-quality care for its top leaders. With The London Clinic offering levels of care far beyond the reach of ordinary Nigerians, the contrast remains stark—and painful.

While The London Clinic remains a beacon of medical excellence globally, Buhari’s death has transformed it into a symbol of disparity in access to healthcare between Nigeria’s leadership class and its citizens. As the nation mourns, the incident serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to revamp Nigeria’s own medical infrastructure.