The Federal Government has reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to harness the immense capabilities of Nigerian healthcare professionals residing overseas, with the objective of enhancing healthcare services and generating employment opportunities for our rapidly expanding population.
Dr. Tunji Alausa, Honourable Minister of State at the Federal Ministry of Health & Social Welfare, made this declaration today during the Stakeholders’ Forum For The Implementation of the Nigerian Health Professionals In Diaspora Plus Engagement Programme, organized by the Public Private Partnership/Diaspora Unit of the Ministry.
The Honourable Minister elucidated that the forum has been intentionally structured as a long-term, sustainable initiative aimed at facilitating the repatriation and dissemination of knowledge back to Nigeria.
This collaboration, as he articulated, will elevate healthcare delivery standards, elevate our healthcare sector to a significant contributor to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of our nation, and provide employment opportunities for our burgeoning youth population in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.
While acknowledging the significant measures taken upon assuming office to tackle healthcare sector challenges, Dr. Alausa mentioned that the Ministry introduced a 4-point Strategic health agenda designed to reform our healthcare system. The anticipated partnership and synergy with our colleagues in the Diaspora, he emphasized, are crucial for realizing the Ministry’s four fundamental pillars which align with the broader vision of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration.
He stated, ”Our 4-point agenda is structured around four fundamental pillars: Effective Governance, Efficient, Equitable, and Quality Health Systems, Unlocking Value Chains, and Health Security.
Collectively, these four pillars serve as the foundation of the Nigeria Renewed Hope Health Sector Strategic Blueprint (HSSBP), crafted to address the underlying causes of deficiencies in our healthcare system while propelling Nigeria towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030,” the Minister added.
Expounding on the strategic contribution of Nigerian Health Professionals abroad to the successful implementation of the Ministry’s 4-point agenda:
Dr. Alausa remarked, ”Of particular significance to our Diaspora colleagues is the third pillar: Unlocking the Value Chain. This endeavor aims to revolutionize our healthcare sector into a substantial contributor to the nation’s GDP, akin to developed economies. By unlocking the value chain, we aim not only to enhance healthcare delivery but also to generate employment opportunities for our rapidly expanding population”.
The Honourable Minister underscored the Ministry’s commitment to promoting the local production of pharmaceuticals, vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics by leveraging medical technology, high-quality medical research, and private sector funding to propel healthcare advancement.
”Hence, we extend an invitation to our Diaspora collaborators to engage with their Nigerian counterparts in research endeavors that will elevate healthcare standards and position Nigeria at the forefront of medical innovations in Africa,” Dr. Alausa affirmed.
In his earlier address, the Director of Public Private Partnership/Diaspora Unit, Professor Sydney Ibeanusi, stated that the Stakeholders’ Engagement Programme aims to fortify the health sector and harness the abundant expertise and knowledge of Diaspora health professionals.
During his presentation at the Forum, Dr. Ibrahim Wada, Chief Medical Director (CMD) of NISA Premier Medical Group, shared key insights on enhancing Nigeria’s healthcare system through Public Private Partnerships (PPPs).
Other distinguished speakers offering goodwill messages included the President of the Nigeria Medical Association, Prof. Bala Audu, Engr. Yakubu Sule from the Nigeria Diaspora Commission,
Professor Eme Bassey, Chairman of the Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of Federal Tertiary Hospitals, and representatives of Associations of Diaspora Health Professionals.
