WorldStage Newsonline– The Federal Government of Nigeria has urged Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA) to prioritise the dual responsibilities doctors bear in serving their host countries and contributing to the transformation of Nigeria’s healthcare system.
The Minister of State for Health, Dr Tunji Alausa, made the call at a recent gathering to showcase the unity and dedication of Nigerian medical professionals residing abroad.
A statement signed by the minister listed challenges faced by Nigeria’s health sector to include inadequate funding, brain drain and insufficient health insurance coverage, and detailed a strategic 4-point agenda aimed at addressing the issues.
He stated that “this agenda focuses on improving governance structures, health outcomes, unlocking healthcare value and ensuring health security for all Nigerians.
“Significant progress has been made under this agenda within the past year, including doubling enrollment in medical fields, increasing nursing school enrollment and streamlining clinical trial approvals.
“The establishment of University of Allied Health Sciences in Enugu and efforts to strengthen regulatory agencies underscores the commitment to building a robust healthcare system.”
He emphasised the role of Nigerian physicians in the diaspora and urged them to leverage on their expertise in advanced medical technology, research and patient care to support healthcare improvements in Nigeria.
He added that “collaborative initiatives such as medical education partnerships, manpower synergy with tertiary hospitals and the adoption of primary healthcare centres are key areas of potential cooperation.”
He urged the ANPA members to participate in the Healthcare Professionals in the Diaspora (HPD) Engagement Programme, aimed at fostering sustainable contributions to Nigeria’s health sector.
He expressed confidence in the support of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in prioritising healthcare and involving Nigerian health professionals globally.
The minister also announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ANPA and the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) in the pursuit of accreditation of Nigeria’s undergraduate medical education by the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME).
He said that “with the MoU, the country is closer to stabilising and improving the skill set and capacity of the healthcare workforce.”
