Minister of State for Health urges doctors to take the lead in Nigeria’s healthcare system

By Ifeoma Nwovu

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, has underscored the pivotal role of medical doctors in Nigeria’s healthcare system, urging them to ensure their service delivery aligns with global best practices.

Speaking during a visit to the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Secretariat in Abuja, Dr Salako noted that Nigeria’s healthcare structure, rooted in the British colonial legacy, places doctors at the forefront of the system.

He emphasised that patients primarily seek medical attention from doctors, thereby making them central figures in healthcare leadership and delivery.

Acknowledging the complexities of leadership in a multidisciplinary environment, the Minister stressed the need for vision, selflessness, and continuous professional development.

Dr Salako commended doctors who have chosen to remain in Nigeria despite more lucrative opportunities abroad, describing them as both patriotic and resilient.

He decried the ongoing migration of Nigerian health professionals, likening the trend to neo-colonial exploitation, and called on doctors to rise to the challenge by enhancing their leadership capabilities.

In his remarks, the NMA President, Dr Audu Bala, welcomed the Minister’s visit as a testament to the government’s commitment to healthcare reform.

Dr Bala highlighted recent policy interventions aimed at curbing brain drain, including the expansion of medical training capacity and the implementation of a national health workforce retention strategy.

Both leaders agreed that reforming Nigeria’s healthcare system would require coordinated and sustained efforts. They pledged continued collaboration to ensure the sector not only meets national health needs but also contributes meaningfully to the country’s socio-economic development.

The visit formed part of Dr Salako’s ongoing engagement with parastatals, agencies, and professional associations under the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.