The Federal Government has called on Nigerians in the diaspora to support efforts to reform the country’s healthcare system.
Beyond financial contributions, the government emphasized the need for overseas Nigerians to use their global networks and connections to attract quality investments and skilled professionals into the sector.
Speaking at the launch of the Diaspora Hub, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, highlighted the vital role Nigerians abroad can play as active partners in national development.
He stressed that transforming the healthcare system would require strategic investments, innovation, and the exchange of knowledge.
Professor Pate urged Nigerians in the diaspora to channel their expertise and resources toward enhancing healthcare infrastructure, promoting advanced medical technologies, and improving service delivery across the country.
Pate said, “We need not only capital but also your connections and networks to attract investors who can support hospital development plans, diagnostic kits, medical devices, biologics, vaccines, and digital health tools.
“Nigeria is our home, and the diaspora has a significant role to play in building a stronger, more prosperous nation.”
The Director-General of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, has announced that the newly launched Diaspora Health Insurance Initiative is designed to provide healthcare coverage for vulnerable Nigerians who receive remittances from abroad.
Dr. Ohiri explained that instead of reacting to health emergencies, the initiative allows Nigerians in the diaspora to prepay for health insurance plans on behalf of their loved ones through accredited Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs) in Nigeria.
“This ensures their loved ones have access to regular check-ups and emergency care without delays or the risk of funds being misused.
“We cannot allow bureaucracy or inefficiencies to cost lives. The patient must come first,” he emphasised.
At the launch of the Diaspora Hub, Chairman of the African Diaspora Corporation, Dr Joachin Okafor, said the initiative was expected to inject over $40 billion annually into African economies.
According to him, the projected sum would be realised through indirect health sector investments, aiming to position the diaspora as a driving force in inclusive and sustainable healthcare development across the continent.
“It is a mobile platform that enables Africans abroad to directly subscribe to health insurance plans for their loved ones back home.
“This initiative will ease the financial burden on families and eliminate the fear of medical emergencies. A healthy nation is a wealthy nation.
“The platform targets households in the informal sector who are often excluded from conventional health coverage,” he said.
