The Federal Government has reiterated its unwavering commitment to harness the vast potentials of Nigerian healthcare professionals in the Diaspora, with the aim of improving healthcare delivery and creating jobs for our rapidly growing population.
Dr. Tunji Alausa, Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Health & Social Welfare disclosed this on Thursday, at the Stakeholders’ Forum For The Implementation of the Nigerian Health Professionals In Diaspora Plus Engagement Programme, organised by the Public Private Partnership/Diaspora Unit of the Ministry.
The Minister also explained that the forum is deliberately designed to be a long- term, sustainable programme that will facilitate the repatriation and transfer of knowledge back to Nigeria.
This partnership, according to him, will improve health care delivery, transform our healthcate sector into a significant contributor to the Gross domestic product of our country as well as create jobs for our teeming youths in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.
While acknowledging the significant measures taken upon assumption of office to address challenges in the health sector, Dr. Alausa stated that the Ministry initiated a 4-point Strategic health agenda that will reform our health system.
The envisaged partnership and synergy with our colleagues in Diaspora, he noted, is critical to the implementation of the Ministry’s four essential pillars which alligns with the broader vision of of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration.
He said ”Our 4-point agenda is built around four essential pillars: Effective Governance, Efficient, Equitable, and Quality Health Systems, Unlocking Value Chains and Health security.
Together, these four pillars form the backbone of the Nigeria Renewed Hope Health Sector Strategic Blueprint ( HSSBP), which is designed to address the root causes of our health system’s shortcomings, while also setting Nigeria on a trajectory toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030,” the Minister added.
Continuing on the strategic contribution of the Nigeria Health Professionals abroad to the successful implementation of the Ministry’s 4-point agenda
Dr. Alausa said ”Of particular importance to our colleagues in Diaspora is the third pillar: Unlocking the Value Chain. This initiative aims to transform our health care sector into a significant contributor to the nation’s GDP, much like what we see in developed economies. By unlocking the value chain , we aim not only to improve healthcare delivery but also to create jobs for our rapidly growing population’
The Minister also highlighted the commitment of the Ministry to promoting the local manufacturing of drugs, vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics leveraging medical technology, quality medical research and private sector funding to propel healthcare forward.
”We therefore invite our Diaspora partners to collaborate with our Nigerian counterparts on research that will elevate healthcare standards and place Nigeria at the forefront of medical advancements in Africa, Dr Alausa affirmed”.
Speaking earlier, the Director Public Private Partnership/Diaspora Unit, Professor Sydney Ibeanusi stated that the Stakeholders’ Engagement Programme is aimed at strengthening the health sector; and utilising the abundant experience and knowledge of Diaspora health professionals.
During his presentation at the Forum, Dr. Ibrahim Wada CMD of NISA Premier Medical Group, provided key insights on improving Nigeria’s healthcare system through Public Private Partnerships (PPPs).
Other notable speakers with goodwill messages are President, Nigeria Medical Association, Prof. Bala Audu, Engr. Yakubu Sule from the Nigeria Diaspora Commission, Professor Eme Bassey, Chairman Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of Federal Tertiary Hospitals; and representatives of Associations of Diaspora Health Professionals.
