The Nigerian government has expressed its desire to utilise the expertise of Nigerian healthcare professionals in the Diaspora, to improve healthcare delivery and create jobs for youth in the country.
This is contained in a statement signed and released by the Deputy Director, Information & PR of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Alaba Balogun.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa said the initiative will not only improve healthcare delivery but, will transform the country’s healthcare sector to a significant contributor to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Dr. Alausa revealed this at a Stakeholders’ Forum for the Implementation of the Nigerian Health Professionals in Diaspora Plus Engagement Programme.
“While generating employment for the country’s rapidly growing population, the initiative aims to tackle the challenges facing the healthcare sector, the Minister said.
“We are committed to unlocking the potentials of our health professionals abroad for the benefit of our nation”, he added.
The Minister outlined a four-point strategic health agenda “built around four essential pillars: Effective Governance, Efficient and Equitable Health Systems, Unlocking Value Chains, and Health Security”.
He said it is streamlined to reform the Nigerian healthcare system. He reassured of the Ministry’s commitment to promoting local drug, vaccine, and diagnostic manufacturing and added that the Diaspora partners are invited to collaborate on research that will improve healthcare standards where Nigeria will be a leading force medical advancements in the African continent.
Chief Medical Director of NISA Premier Medical Group, Dr. Ibrahim Wada, while presenting key insights into the potential of Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) in enhancing Nigeria’s healthcare system, said the PPP models will drive efficiency and innovation in the Nigerian health sector.
Director of the Public Private Partnership/Diaspora Unit, Professor Sydney Ibeanusi enumerated that the goal is to leverage on the exposure of Diaspora health professionals and said the Stakeholders’ Engagement Programme is crucial for strengthening the nation’s health sector.