General News
DR. Ibrahim Wada, a gynecologist, has says Nigerian medical professionals in the diaspora can play a critical role in improving healthcare delivery in the country.
Wada, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nisa Medical Group, said this in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.
With over 60,000 Nigerian medical professionals living and working in countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Europe, he stressed the immense opportunity in tapping into their expertise.
He said that this was especially valuable in specialised fields like IVF, renal transplantation, and orthopaedic surgery.
“The times are changing, and so are the realities and expectations of healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
“Engaging our medical diasporans is no longer just an option; it is a necessity to bridge gaps and offer quality healthcare at home,” he said.
Through a SWOT analysis, Wada highlighted strengths such as strong family ties that keep diasporans connected to Nigeria, and the growing demand for quality healthcare domestically.
He also acknowledged weaknesses, including bureaucratic bottlenecks, poor health infrastructure, and high costs associated with diaspora engagement.
“While the willingness to help exists, and the patient population is high, poor facilities and weak advocacy for local health workers pose significant challenges.
“We must address these if we are to harness the full potential of the diaspora,” he said.
He cited several examples of successful diaspora engagements.
He cited Nisa Premier Hospital’s advancements in IVF and genetics, as well as Garki Hospital’s achievements through its Public-Private Partnership (PPP).
He said that both facilities which had seen diasporan experts perform complex procedures such as open-heart surgeries and renal transplants.
He also highlighted collaborations with organisations like the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA) and the Medical Association of Nigerians Across Great Britain (MANSAG).
He said that members of these organisations had contributed to medical missions and skill transfers, particularly in fields like orthopaedics and cardiac surgery.
For future engagements to succeed, Wada proposed key measures, including conducting comprehensive needs assessments, preparing patients and local staff before diaspora professionals arrive, and ensuring proper post-treatment follow-up.
He also underscored the importance of improving social amenities and security to attract more diasporan professionals to Nigeria.
“We need to create an environment where our medical diasporans feel valued and supported.
“This includes standard accommodation, functional medical equipment, and welfare packages for both the visiting experts and the local teams they collaborate with,” he said.
He called for more structured and efficient engagement with Nigerian medical professionals abroad.
He made recommendations that offered a pathway towards reducing the country’s dependence on health tourism and improving local healthcare outcomes.
He expressed appreciation to the Ministers of Health for their support and called for a concerted effort from both the public and private sectors to harness the talents of Nigerian medical diasporans.
“Our goal is to make Nigeria a destination for world-class healthcare, and we can achieve this by working together, leveraging the skills and experiences of our global Nigerian talent,” he said. (NAN)
13th October, 2024.
C.E.
Tags: DR. Ibrahim Wada Nisa Medical Group
