Vice President Kashim Shettima has appealed to Nigerian doctors to resist the Japa syndrome and join hands with the President Tinubu’s administration to salvage the country.
Apparently cautioning against the recent surge in emigration, Shettima told the medical professionals that the current administration has their interest at heart, saying the President has a lot of empathy for the doctors, who have chosen to stay back despite the juicy offers abroad.
The Vice President, who spoke on Tuesday when the National Executive Committee of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), led by its newly elected President, Prof. Bala Audu, paid him a courtesy visit at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, urged the medics not to despair, imploring them to “remain steadfast” and resist the temptation of offering their services in foreign lands. He noted that “in President Tinubu, you have an ally who will stand by you at all times.”
“President Bola Ahmed 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,” Shettima emphasised.
On the challenges facing them in the country, the Vice President commended the giant strides of Nigerian doctors and their sacrifices in the service of the nation, especially in repositioning healthcare delivery.
He continued: “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.”
Shettima further asked the NMA to encourage young doctors to specialise in key disciplines of medical practice and also check the activities of quacks.
On his part, the NMA President, Prof Audu, said the executive members were at the Villa to show solidarity for the Tinubu administration, particularly on account of its laudable policies for the health sector.
He stated: “The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has come here today (Tuesday) 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.”
He 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.”
