FG Applauds Nigerian Diaspora Healthcare Professionals for Medical Missions

Government has praised the continued efforts of Nigerian healthcare professionals in the diaspora for their medical missions and capacity-building initiatives in Nigeria, emphasizing their vital role in supporting and sustaining the nation's healthcare system.

Speaking at the gala night of the 31st Annual Scientific Convention and 30th Anniversary of the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA), held at Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, the Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, commended ANPA for three decades of impactful contributions to Nigeria’s healthcare landscape.

Dr. Salako acknowledged ANPA’s consistent medical outreach programs, professional training for local practitioners, and donations of critical medical supplies to healthcare facilities nationwide. He conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s deep appreciation for these efforts, which align with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Highlighting recent government initiatives, the Minister noted that the Federal Ministry of Health has launched a National Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) aimed at expanding access to quality healthcare for all Nigerians.

“We’ve developed a strategic health sector investment plan to reduce both physical and financial suffering, and to save lives across the country,” Dr. Salako said.

He called on Nigerian professionals abroad to invest in local health manufacturing, pointing out existing government incentives such as duty-free importation of raw materials and pharmaceutical inputs. He also emphasized the government's increased budgetary allocation to healthcare, which has enabled more streamlined recruitment of healthcare workers and the revitalization of regulatory bodies.

In response to recent challenges in international funding, including from USAID, Dr. Salako revealed that the Federal Government has allocated over $200 million in the 2025 budget to sustain key health programs for HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria.

ANPA President, Dr. Cliff Eke, in his remarks, advocated for stronger partnerships between diaspora and local medical professionals to enhance access to healthcare for Nigeria’s 250 million citizens. This year’s mission was themed: “Advancing Patient Care: Leadership, Research, and Strategic Investment.”

Over the course of the mission, ANPA facilitated more than 500 surgeries including advanced laparoscopic procedures, cataract and glaucoma surgeries and provided postpartum and dental care, including implants.

These interventions were conducted in collaboration with LUTH, the Federal Medical Centre (Ebute Metta), Indo Eye Clinic, Rotary International Districts 9111 and 9112, and over 150 local clinics.