In a bid to combat the challenges posed by the emigration of healthcare professionals, the Federal Government has introduced a new initiative designed to repatriate the expertise of Nigerian health workers abroad.
This move is intended to address the brain drain currently impacting the country’s healthcare sector.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced the Nigerian Health Professionals in Diaspora Plus Engagement Programme at the Diaspora Stakeholders’ Forum held in Abuja on Thursday.
The initiative seeks to harness the knowledge, skills, and experience of Nigerian healthcare professionals living abroad to improve the nation’s healthcare delivery.
According to Dr. Alausa, the programme is structured to promote long-term collaboration between Nigerian healthcare experts in the diaspora and their counterparts within the country.
“The continued emigration of our healthcare workforce has posed significant challenges to achieving Universal Health Coverage. However, this initiative provides an opportunity to turn brain drain into brain gain,” he remarked.
Alausa noted that the programme is a critical part of the government’s four-point Strategic Health Agenda, aimed at reforming the healthcare sector through enhanced governance, robust health systems, value chain development, and increased health security.
He urged private sector players and international partners to support the initiative, highlighting the need for sustainable collaboration to ensure its success.
Additionally, Dr. Alausa encouraged diaspora health professionals to explore opportunities in telemedicine, biomedical technology, and clinical research as ways to bridge gaps in Nigeria’s healthcare delivery.
Dr. Ibrahim Wada, founder of NISA Premier Medical Group, emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships (PPP) in transforming the healthcare sector.
He noted that PPPs, which have been successful over the last 15 years, can be instrumental in tackling diseases such as sickle cell and improving access to quality healthcare.
“Effective management, not just modern equipment, creates a seamless experience for both healthcare professionals and patients,” Wada stated, while advocating for better infrastructure and support systems for returning diaspora professionals.
Dr. Wada also proposed the creation of specialized healthcare centres, each dedicated to specific medical specialties, to prevent the overburdening of institutions and reduce the number of Nigerians seeking treatment abroad.
Dr. Pamela Ajayi, President of the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria, discussed the potential for Nigeria to become a medical hub within West Africa.
She highlighted the need for investment in medical infrastructure, including the establishment of healthcare banks to finance development.
Dr. Ajayi also emphasized the role of digital platforms and Artificial Intelligence in improving healthcare access, especially in rural areas, and the critical involvement of the Nigerian Diaspora in advancing research, innovation, and infrastructure development.
Meanwhile, the President of the Nigerian Medical Association, Prof. Bala Audu, stressed the importance of international collaboration to retain skilled healthcare workers.
“Partnerships between Nigeria and other countries, such as the UK, can improve our healthcare systems and create mutual opportunities,” Audu stated.
Dr. Emilia Iwu, representing the National Association of Nigerian Nurses in North Carolina, called for a balanced approach to healthcare investment, particularly at the primary healthcare level.
“Primary health centres are the most accessible form of healthcare for people at the grassroots. Strengthening these centres can ensure early and accurate interventions,” she explained.
Dr. Iwu urged that while tertiary hospitals are essential, equal focus must be given to developing primary healthcare facilities to create a comprehensive system that meets the needs of Nigerians.
