Federal government begs Nigerians in Diaspora to rescue crumbling health care system through innovation & investment
The Federal Government has called on Nigerians in the Diaspora to become active partners in transforming the country’s healthcare system through strategic investment, innovation, and knowledge exchange.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, made the call on Tuesday in Abuja during the launch of a Diaspora Hub, a mobile platform designed to facilitate such engagement.
Pate urged Nigerians abroad to direct their expertise and resources towards strengthening healthcare infrastructure, advancing medical technology, and improving service delivery.
“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,” he said.
Drawing on international models, the minister referenced how countries like China and India successfully mobilised their diaspora communities for national development.
“Nigeria is our home, and the diaspora has a significant role to play in building a stronger, more prosperous nation,” he added.
Dr Kelechi Ohiri, Director-General of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), stated that the new diaspora health insurance initiative is specifically designed to support vulnerable Nigerians, who are often the primary beneficiaries of remittances from abroad.
Ohiri explained that, instead of responding to health emergencies, the initiative enables diaspora members to prepay for health insurance plans through accredited Nigerian Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs).
“This ensures their loved ones have access to regular check-ups and emergency care without delays or the risk of funds being misused,” he said.
According to him, the initiative also aims to bridge Nigeria’s healthcare financing gap by leveraging innovative technology and empowering the diaspora to play a direct role in expanding health coverage to those most in need.
Ohiri further revealed that the NHIA has introduced a new directive aimed at eliminating delays often experienced by insured Nigerians at healthcare facilities.
“We cannot allow bureaucracy or inefficiencies to cost lives. The patient must come first,” he emphasised.
In a related development, the NHIA has issued a policy mandating HMOs to respond to treatment authorisation requests within one hour, or risk bearing the cost of care themselves.
Under the directive, a timestamp-based monitoring system will be deployed.
“This system will enable hospitals to proceed with treatment if HMOs fail to respond within the stipulated timeframe. In such cases, the NHIA will step in to cover the bill and hold the responsible HMO accountable,” he explained.
Dr Joachin Okafor, Chairman of the Africa Diaspora Corporation, officially launched the Diaspora Hub.
“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.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Diaspora Hub is expected to inject over $40 billion annually into African economies.
This is through indirect health sector investment, positioning the diaspora as a driving force in inclusive and sustainable healthcare development across the continent.
