Dabiri-Erewa: Return of African diasporans having impact on healthcare systems

The Chairman and CEO of Nigerians In Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, recently shared her optimism regarding the impact of healthcare practitioners in the diaspora returning to Nigeria to establish healthcare facilities. Speaking at the inaugural forum of the Africa Medical Centre of Excellence, she highlighted the significant contribution of Nigerian healthcare professionals abroad who have already returned to set up hospitals in Nigeria, such as the Masao Ruth Cancer Centre in Lagos, established by a Nigerian doctor from the UK. Dabiri-Erewa emphasized the need for increased investment to support the country's healthcare infrastructure and encouraged more healthcare practitioners to consider returning to Nigeria to contribute to the growth of the sector. She outlined the opportunity for Nigerians in the diaspora to collaborate with local healthcare professionals to enhance medical services in the country. The discussion also touched on the potential for the government to incentivize returning doctors by offering tax breaks and other forms of support to facilitate their transition back to Nigeria. Dabiri-Erewa expressed confidence in the partnership between the government, diaspora healthcare professionals, and local authorities to elevate healthcare standards in the country. The ongoing efforts to upgrade teaching hospitals and improve the working environment for medical practitioners were highlighted as crucial steps towards reducing dependency on medical tourism and promoting excellence in healthcare delivery. The conversation with Dabiri-Erewa underscored the positive trend of Nigerian healthcare professionals returning to contribute their expertise and experience to elevate healthcare services in the nation.