THE Vice President, Kashim Shettima has made an appeal to Nigerian doctors to remain in the country and collaborate with the Tinubu administration in its current efforts to improve the nation.
This appeal was made during a visit by the National Executive Committee of the Nigerian Medical Association, led by their newly elected President, Prof. Bala Audu, to the Presidential Villa.
The Vice President cautioned against the growing trend known as the “Japa Syndrome” and urged doctors not only to stay in Nigeria but also to resist the temptation of leaving without hope for the future.
He highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s support for doctors who choose to stay in the country despite lucrative opportunities abroad.
Shettima lauded the dedication and sacrifices of Nigerian doctors in advancing healthcare in the nation and encouraged them to continue working together to uplift the country.
He said: “Let us stay back and salvage this nation together, this is our country and the greatest black nation on earth, and a promising nation that we need to invest in.
“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.
He emphasized the importance of investing in Nigeria and commended the NMA for their contributions.
Additionally, the NMA President, Prof Ishaya Audu expressed the association’s commitment to supporting the Tinubu administration’s health policies and ensuring quality healthcare for all Nigerians.
He stated: “The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) 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.”
The NMA president assured that the body “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,” he added.
The delegation also discussed plans to enhance specialist training and improve working conditions for doctors in the country.
The NMA delegation included first Vice President, Dr Benjamin Olowojebutu; Second Vice President, Dr Ushakuma Anenga; Secretary General, Dr Ben Egbo; Deputy Secretary General, Dr Wale Lasisi; National Publicity Secretary, Dr Manir Bature, and Chairman of the FCT chapter, Dr Ugwuanyi Charles, among others.
