By Muhammad Amaan
The Federal Government of Nigeria has commended the unwavering efforts of Nigerian healthcare professionals in the diaspora, particularly members of the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA), for their ongoing contributions to improving healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako made the statement at the gala night of ANPA’s 31st Annual Scientific Convention and the celebration of its 30th anniversary, held in Lagos.
The minister praised the group’s enduring commitment to conducting medical missions, building local capacity, donating medical supplies, and providing interventions to underserved communities across the country.
Dr Salako, representing the Nigerian Government at the event, conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s heartfelt appreciation to Nigerian diaspora healthcare professionals.
In a statement issued by the Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, Alaba Balegun, Dr Salako described their contributions as perfectly aligned with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the National Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII).
“Our blueprint is designed to prevent physical and financial pain, save lives, and ensure access to quality healthcare for all Nigerians,” the Minister stated.
He encouraged diaspora professionals to invest further, particularly in health manufacturing, highlighting incentives such as tariff-free importation of raw materials and pharmaceutical inputs.
Dr Salako noted that budgetary allocations to the health sector under the current administration have seen significant increases.
This, he explained, has facilitated smoother recruitment processes for healthcare workers and restored funding for regulatory agencies.
Dr Salako also highlighted the government’s swift intervention in addressing funding gaps, such as the recent USAID funding shortfall, with over $200 million allocated in the 2025 budget to sustain programmes targeting HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, and other public health concerns.
Earlier, ANPA President Dr Cliff Eke emphasised the importance of stronger partnerships with local healthcare professionals to meet the needs of Nigeria’s over 250 million citizens.
He underscored the necessity of strategic alignment between the diaspora and the Nigerian health sector, echoing the theme of this year’s convention, “Advancing Patient Care: Leadership, Research, and Strategic Investment.”
The 2025 ANPA medical mission achieved remarkable results, including over 500 surgeries and dental procedures such as implants, laparoscopic colectomies, gynaecologic surgeries, 387 cataract operations, and 30 glaucoma surgeries.
These medical interventions, according to Dr Eke, were conducted in collaboration with the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Federal Medical Centre, Ebute-Metta; Indo Eye Clinic, Rotary International Districts 9111 and 9112, and over 150 local clinics across the country.
