The President of the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas has called on doctors and health professionals to invest in establishing healthcare facilities and initiatives in Nigeria, arguing that reversing the country's longstanding brain drain depends on overseas medical experts bringing their skills back home.
Dr Gertie Chimeka-Anyanwoke made the appeal at the inauguration of the Redeemer's Health Village and RoboMed Academy Robotics and Advanced Surgery Training Centre at the Redemption Camp in Mowe, Ogun State. She said that brain drain would become brain gain if more medical practitioners invested in Nigeria's healthcare sector. "It is time we came back home to invest in the healthcare sector of our dear country," she said. "I think more doctors, surgeons and other health experts who have gained prominence abroad should begin to help the system in Nigeria."
Chimeka-Anyanwoke highlighted that advanced medical technologies already available in the United States have now been brought to Nigeria, with robotic surgery training and expertise being transferred through engagement from Nigerian professionals working overseas. She stressed the importance of applying international experience, training and exposure to address Nigeria's healthcare challenges. "The experience, training and exposure that we have in the US and other places should be applied to address our healthcare challenges in Nigeria," she said.
The ANPA leader acknowledged that Nigeria's healthcare system faces complex, interconnected problems, but cautioned that the Federal Government must play a stronger role in funding and research to improve accessibility for Nigerians. "The challenges of the Nigerian healthcare system are a hydra-headed problem. I don't know if anybody has really found a perfect solution to it. The government has to invest in funding and research because all countries have different solutions," she added.
For Nigerian patients and families, increased investment by diaspora medical professionals in home healthcare facilities could expand access to advanced treatments and specialist care that have previously been available mainly abroad or to those with means to travel.