Abike Dabiri urges medical professionals in diaspora to unite, make impact in Nigeria

Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) Abike Dabiri-Erewa has stressed the need for Nigerian medical professionals in the diaspora to unite, make huge impact and change the narratives of health care tourism in Nigeria.

She stated this on Wednesday as a guest of honour at the launch of Women in Health Care Network (WIHCN) which took place at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The NIDCOM boss said she believes that women are better placed to drive the initiative.

She commended the founder and chair, Modupe Elebute-Odunsi, and other members for the laudable initiative.

She said though some medical professionals are leaving the country, many are returning to set up hospitals and clinics in the country.

Dabiri-Erewa therefore solicited support for Women in Health Care Network, noting that the group has the potential to be a change agent.

She encouraged the group to collate data on medical professionals who have returned to establish hospitals and clinics and quantify their contributions to the development of health care system in the country.

She informed the gathering of the desire of NIDCOM to resuscitate the Diaspora Health Care Professional Initiative which seeks to encourage doctors and diaspora health care practitioners to combine resources and make impact collectively.

Other dignitaries at the event include Mohammed Pate, minister of health; Elebute-Odunsi; special adviser on health to the president, Zainab Anas; Toyin Saraki; Jide Idris, former Lagos State commissioner of health; Kemi Owoeye, special adviser on health to the Lagos State governor.