The Federal Government has urged the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA) to join forces with the government to enhance healthcare in Nigeria as they gathered recently, showcasing the unity and dedication of Nigerian medical professionals residing abroad.
The Minister of State for Health, Dr. Tunji Alausa said this in a statement he signed and made available to journalists on Monday in Abuja.
Alausa underscored the dual responsibility these doctors bear—serving their host countries and contributing to the transformation of Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Highlighting the myriad of challenges faced by Nigeria’s health sector, including inadequate funding, brain drain and insufficient health insurance coverage, the minister detailed a strategic four-point agenda aimed at addressing these issues.
“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 the University of Allied Health Sciences in Enugu and efforts to strengthen regulatory agencies underscore the commitment to building a robust healthcare system,” he said.
He underscored the crucial role of Nigerian physicians in the diaspora, urging them to leverage their expertise in advanced medical technology, research, and patient care to support healthcare improvements in Nigeria.
“Collaborative initiatives such as medical education partnerships, manpower synergy with tertiary hospitals and the adoption of primary healthcare centres were highlighted as key areas for potential cooperation,” he said.
He called on ANPA members to actively participate in the Healthcare Professional in the Diaspora (HPD) engagement programme, aimed at fostering sustainable contributions from the diaspora to Nigeria’s health sector.
He expressed confidence in the support of President Bola Ahmed 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 Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) to collaborate 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 was much closer to stabilising and improving the skill set and capacity of its healthcare workforce.
The event ended with a reaffirmation of commitment from the ANPA members to support the healthcare transformation in Nigeria, with a shared vision of achieving universal health coverage and improving the lives of millions in their motherland.
