Vice President Kashim Shettima delivered a heartfelt appeal to Nigerian doctors during a recent meeting with the National Executive Council of the Nigerian Medical Association. His message was clear: stay in Nigeria and collaborate with President Bola Tinubu’s administration to rebuild the nation.
Shettima acknowledged the phenomenon of the “japa syndrome,” where professionals leave the country for opportunities abroad. He urged doctors to resist this temptation and highlighted Tinubu’s empathy towards those who choose to remain in Nigeria.
During the meeting, Shettima emphasized the importance of the doctors’ role in repositioning Nigeria’s healthcare system. He encouraged them to mentor young doctors and to combat the activities of unqualified practitioners.
In a statement released by Stanley Nkwocha, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communication, Shettima expressed Tinubu’s support for Nigerian doctors who remain dedicated to their homeland:
“President Bola Tinubu has Nigerian doctors at heart. He has a lot of empathy for our medical doctors who have opted to stay put at home, not for lack of offers. Let us stay back and salvage this nation together, this is our country, the greatest black nation on earth, and a promising nation that we need to invest in.”
Shettima also praised the NMA for its contributions to the nation’s healthcare system, noting the significant sacrifices made by Nigerian doctors. He reassured them that their efforts are not in vain and that they are instrumental in Nigeria’s progress:
“The NMA is one of the most prestigious, preeminent associations in this country. We must commend you for the sacrifices you are making and for staying put in this nation. All hope is not lost because Nigerian doctors are making giant strides, recording milestones in the profession and, most importantly, making tremendous sacrifices to serve this nation.”
Prof. Bala Audu, the President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), echoed Vice President Shettima’s sentiments during the visit, emphasizing the association’s support for the Tinubu administration’s health policies.
Audu expressed the NMA’s solidarity with the Tinubu administration and its commendable efforts in the health sector. He assured the Vice President of the NMA’s dedication to the nation and its commitment to improving healthcare delivery and access for all Nigerians.
“The Nigerian Medical Association has come here today as a partner to your government and a patriotic group of Nigerians dedicated to the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda of this government and to ensure that this government delivers quality healthcare to all Nigerians,” Prof. Audu stated.
He emphasized the NMA’s patriotism and willingness to work hand in hand with the government to implement effective health policies:
“(The NMA) remains patriotic to this nation and will fully support the health policies of your government to drive improvement in quality healthcare delivery and universal access to services to all Nigerians. This committee will work closely with this government, in delivering and implementing the policies of the administration in the healthcare sector. The NMA wants to assure and reassure you that it will play a key role in ensuring stability in the health sector and by extension, stability for this government to deliver on its promises to Nigerians as it has already started doing.”
Audu also praised the health policies of the Tinubu administration, foreseeing positive outcomes, particularly in increasing training opportunities for specialists through residency programs:
“We are sure that this government will address the infrastructural needs to be able to sustain the quality of this training as well as the remuneration that will improve the wellbeing of Nigerian doctors to remain and serve in this country.”
His remarks highlight the NMA’s confidence in the administration’s capacity to address critical issues such as infrastructure and remuneration, which are vital for retaining medical professionals in Nigeria and enhancing the quality of healthcare services nationwide.
