By Folasade Akpan
The National Hospital, Abuja, and the Concerned Medics Foundation (CMF), a not-for-profit organisation, inaugurated a partnership on Tuesday to leverage diaspora expertise and enhance Nigeria’s healthcare delivery.
The partnership, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Abuja, will improve healthcare quality and accessibility by supporting medical professionals and patients through collaborative programmes, skills transfer, and diaspora doctors.
Dr Sadiya Gumi, CMF Chairperson and a Pediatric Consultant in the UK, described the initiative as a volunteer service where Nigerian doctors in the diaspora would provide free services.
“Assuming I can register 24 pediatricians, each of us could commit to a month-long visit. For instance, one person could come in January, another in February, and so on.
“This approach ensures a sustained presence, as a one-time outreach programme is insufficient. To drive meaningful change, we need a continuous flow of professionals providing regular support.
“Although the partnership with the National Hospital Abuja (NHA) is still in its pilot phase, approximately 24 Nigerian doctors with various specialties from the UK, USA, and Canada have already registered, with some non-Nigerian doctors also expressing interest.”
Explaining the process, Gumi said, “It’s similar to visiting family back home. You register with us and indicate your availability, saying, for instance, ‘I have two weeks free, and I can come to National Hospital.
“As a surgeon, you could then perform surgeries during your visit.”
Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House of Representatives, commended the initiative, stating it would impact Nigerians’ lives and help reverse brain drain in the health sector.
Abbas, represented by the Deputy Speaker, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, pledged legislative support and encouraged stakeholders to back the initiative.
Ms Daju Kachollom, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, noted that the initiative aligned with the Health Workforce Migration Policy 2024, which aimed to strengthen and retain Nigeria’s health workforce.
Prof. Mahmud Raji, Chief Medical Director of National Hospital, expressed hope that the partnership would encourage more doctors and healthcare professionals to participate, ultimately increasing access to quality healthcare and achieving universal health coverage targets.(NAN)
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