Aminu Umar

[Federal Ministry of Health, NIGERIA @Fmohnigeria]

For context, GASTROPEX-BH is a locally developed medical device created by paediatric surgeons at ATBUTH for the management of gastroschisis, a serious congenital condition where a baby is born with the intestines outside the body and requires urgent surgery.

Until now, devices used in managing the condition were largely imported, expensive, and often difficult to access in resource-constrained settings.

This innovation marks an important step in advancing homegrown, context-appropriate healthcare solutions in Nigeria.

[Presidency Nigeria @NGRPresident]

FG Congratulates ATBUTH on Patent Registration of GASTROPEX-BH.

@Fmohnigeria

[Federal Ministry of Health, NIGERIA @Fmohnigeria]

Press Release
FG CONGRATULATES ATBUTH ON PATENT REGISTRATION OF GASTROPEX-BH

Abuja, Nigeria|22 May 2026 — 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.

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.

Ado Bako
Assistant Director, Information & Public Relations

[Aminu Umar @umaminu]

Our shipment has finally arrived.  The paediatric surgery community at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital Bauchi Nigeria is excited to have received the books and is committed to putting them to good use. Thank you. @DrSherifEmil @MarcLevittMD