Abuja, (EPICSTORIAN)- Nigerian Health Professionals in Diaspora Engagement Programme aims to leverage the skills of healthcare professionals abroad, announced outgoing Health Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa Sunday.
Speaking at the 27th Annual Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Medical Association of Nigerians Across Great Britain (MANSAG), Dr. Alausa highlighted the importance of the Nigerian Health Professionals in Diaspora Engagement Programme and international collaboration in shaping healthcare’s future.
The event, a gathering of medical professionals from Nigeria and the United Kingdom, carried a theme highly relevant to the current global landscape: “The Future of Healthcare – A Global Perspective.”
The minister emphasised that the need for global cooperation in healthcare has never been more urgent, as ‘systemic challenges’ continue to impact healthcare access, infrastructure, and patient outcomes worldwide.
“To navigate the complex systemic challenges we currently face and those that lie ahead, international cooperation is critical,” he stated, laying open his belief that such partnerships hold promise for significant advancements.
In particular, he pointed to the collaborative potential between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, emphasising the role of organisations like MANSAG, which represents more than 15,000 Nigerian medical professionals in the diaspora.
This network, he noted, has a substantial impact on healthcare delivery and policy both in the UK and Nigeria. The government’s pride in the diaspora’s accomplishments is matched by its commitment to leveraging their expertise to bolster Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Acknowledging the complexities of diaspora engagement, the minister discussed the Nigerian Health Professionals in Diaspora Engagement Programme, an initiative designed to bridge knowledge and skills between Nigerian healthcare professionals abroad and those at home.
Through this program, diaspora medical professionals can participate in specialized medical missions, training sessions, public-private partnerships, and research projects. The goal is a two-way exchange of expertise that strengthens healthcare capacity and improves service delivery in Nigeria.
Despite the scale of the challenges, the minister expressed optimism, noting that with robust support from local and international institutions, a future where all Nigerians have access to quality healthcare is attainable.
He also extended his appreciation to the MANSAG President, recognizing the organization’s critical role in supporting Nigeria’s healthcare ambitions.
This partnership, he affirmed, stands as a testament to the power of shared knowledge and cross-border collaboration in addressing the evolving demands of healthcare worldwide.
