Abike Dabiri-Erewa Advises Nigerian Doctors In Diaspora To Return Home
The Senior Special adviser to the President on Diaspora and Foreign Affairs, Hon. Abike Kafayat Dabiri-Erewa, 56, has reiterated that the present administration is committed to improving the nation’s healthcare system through liaising with Nigerian doctors in Diaspora.
She mentioned this at the Nigerian Health Watch annual Future Health Conference themed, ‘The Diaspora as Nigerians Brain Gain,’ which held in Abuja.
Dabiri-Erewa noted that Nigerians in Diaspora are very relevant to Nigeria, adding that “they possess immeasurable resources as they present expertise in their related area of profession. They are usually the top performers in their fields in any country, so leaving us for a while has value as they present credible resources and experience that can propel the development of our nation and project the image of the nation in a positive way”
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She further called on Nigerian doctors in Diaspora who have gained landmark achievements in other countries to come back home and help strengthen the Nigeria healthcare system.
She said:
“With this structured plan, we do not have to solely rely on our developmental partners to help solve our problems, we have the capability to solve these problems ourselves. We are relying on Nigerians healthcare givers that have gained landmark in other countries to come back home and strengthen our healthcare system.”
The Future of Health Conference is a leading platform that sets actionable roadmaps to move the Nigerian health sector forward. This year’s focus is on Diaspora leveraging their specialty to building networks that will strengthen the Nigerian health sector.
Speaking at the event, Director of Policy and Advocacy, Nigerian Health Watch, Dr Ifeanyi Nsofor called on Nigerian doctors in Diaspora to see the opportunities in Nigeria’s health ecosystem and seek ways to leverage their expertise in building a good network aimed at strengthening the Nigerian health sector.
National Strategic Programme Manager for the Nigerian Medical Association, Dr Tonnie Okoye revealed that as a body, the NMA is in continuous collaboration with doctors in diaspora on Continuous Professional Developmental efforts aimed at synergizing the health sector.
He however lamented the communication gap between doctors based in Nigeria and those abroad, while calling on Nigerian doctors based both in Nigeria and abroad to give in their best to improve quality of life in the country.