A U.S.-based physician, Dr. Terrance Baker, has called on Nigerians living abroad to return home and contribute to the development of a stronger healthcare system in the country.
Dr. Baker made this plea during the 5th Annual International Conference of the Nigeria Association of Foreign Trained Pharmacists (NAFTraPh) in Lagos. He is a Johns Hopkins Community Physician in the Department of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland, U.S., as well as the producer of “Doctors in the House,” a popular TV show.
Building a Resilient Healthcare System in Nigeria
The theme of the three-day conference was “Social Determinants of Health and Population Health Outcomes in a Developing Economy – Nigeria’s Perspective.” During his keynote address titled “Social Determinants of Health and Population Health Outcomes in a Developing Economy – Nigeria’s Perspective,” Dr. Baker emphasized the need for the Nigerian government to welcome and support Nigerians in the diaspora who wish to return home and make a positive impact.
Dr. Baker highlighted that sending remittances alone is not sufficient to address the country’s challenges. He emphasized that many Nigerians living in the U.S. and Europe hold influential positions and have achieved financial success. While acknowledging their financial contributions to Nigeria, Dr. Baker stressed the importance of diasporans physically returning to Nigeria to be actively involved in improving the healthcare system. He also urged them to invest in sectors such as farming to enhance food security.
Addressing Concerns in Nigeria’s Healthcare System
During his address, Dr. Baker identified several concerns that contribute to the poor state of healthcare in Nigeria. These concerns include poverty, inadequate housing, lack of access to clean water and sanitation, limited transportation, and safety issues related to terrorism and violence.
Dr. Baker expressed optimism about Nigeria’s potential to become one of the leading nations in Africa. He highlighted the exceptional skills and resources of Nigerian healthcare professionals worldwide, including medical doctors, pharmacists, and nurses. He urged Nigeria to leverage this expertise and workforce to make significant advancements in healthcare.
Other Speakers at the Conference
The conference also featured other notable speakers who addressed various aspects of healthcare. Sherese Ijewere, a Clinical Nutrition Consultant, emphasized the importance of improving child and maternal health, including the health of fathers. She stressed that the wellness of both parents before pregnancy plays a crucial role in preventing diseases in children.
Mrs. Ijewere further underscored the significance of maintaining a nutritious diet, consuming whole foods, and engaging in regular exercise. She called on the government to empower women and youths in urban farming to promote healthier eating habits and reduce reliance on processed foods.
Dr. Anthony Ihenatu, Chairman/CEO of Archy Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Lagos, highlighted the challenges facing the pharmaceutical industry during economic downturns. He urged the Federal Government to address issues such as multiple taxation, regulatory burdens, infrastructure, electricity, and insecurity. Dr. Ihenatu also stressed the importance of stabilizing the value of the Naira to support the pharmaceutical industry and the economy as a whole.
NAFTraPh’s Mission and Call for Government Intervention
The President of NAFTraPh, Dr. John Ejezie, reiterated the association’s commitment to professional growth, community service, and health awareness. He called on the Nigerian government to address the numerous challenges facing the healthcare sector and the country as a whole.
Dr. Ejezie also highlighted the supply chain challenges, inflation rates, and non-robust socio-economic structures affecting the healthcare sector. Despite these challenges, he emphasized the importance of preserving dreams and aspirations and called on all stakeholders to work collectively toward achieving a stronger healthcare system and a prosperous Nigeria.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
