Elizabeth O.
President Tinubu Urges Diaspora Medical Practitioners to Come back and Develop Nigeria’s Health Sector
Additionally, he emphasized the need for their contribution to the development of Nigeria’s medical sector.
The President expressed his views during the unveiling of Nigeria’s Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative at the State House in Abuja on Tuesday, December 12.
Highlighting health as a fundamental human right, President Tinubu outlined plans for a comprehensive overhaul of physical infrastructure, equipment, and the retraining of frontline health workers, set to commence in 2024.
He proudly stated that Nigeria continues to attract top talent in the medical profession, leading his administration to allocate a substantial amount to the sector in the 2024 budget currently under consideration by the National Assembly. In light of this, he humbly implored Nigerian medical practitioners residing abroad to return home and serve their fellow citizens.
“We encourage those Nigerian health professionals in the Diaspora, just like Professor Ali Pate and Tunji Alausa have done, to sacrifice their time to come back home and serve their people. Consider your contributions here at home, as we say, ‘Charity begins at home’,” he said.
Addressing developed countries that have benefited from the remarkable skills of Nigerian health workers, the President urged them to support the expansion of training facilities in Nigeria as a means to replace those they have recruited from the country. He also encouraged them to explore the various short-term and long-term opportunities available in Nigeria.
President Tinubu acknowledged Nigeria’s vibrant and well-educated society but stressed the urgency of addressing the country’s declining health system amidst the challenges posed by climate change. He expressed his determination for Nigeria to rise and overcome these obstacles.
