Health
National Hospital, CMF partner to boost Nigeria’s healthcare
The National Hospital, Abuja, and the Concerned Medics Foundation (CMF), a not-for-profit organisation, inaugurated a partnership on Tuesday to leverage diaspora expertise and enhance Nigeria’s healthcare delivery.
The partnership, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Abuja, will improve healthcare quality and accessibility by supporting medical professionals and patients through collaborative programmes, skills transfer, and diaspora doctors.
Dr Sadiya Gumi, CMF Chairperson and a Pediatric Consultant in the UK, described the initiative as a volunteer service where Nigerian doctors in the diaspora would provide free services.
“Assuming I can register 24 pediatricians, each of us could commit to a month-long visit. For instance, one person could come in January, another in February, and so on.
“This approach ensures a sustained presence, as a one-time outreach programme is insufficient. To drive meaningful change, we need a continuous flow of professionals providing regular support.
“Although the partnership with the National Hospital Abuja (NHA) is still in its pilot phase, approximately 24 Nigerian doctors with various specialties from the UK, USA, and Canada have already registered, with some non-Nigerian doctors also expressing interest.”
Explaining the process, Gumi said, “It’s similar to visiting family back home. You register with us and indicate your availability, saying, for instance, ‘I have two weeks free, and I can come to National Hospital.
“As a surgeon, you could then perform surgeries during your visit.”
Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House of Representatives, commended the initiative, stating it would impact Nigerians’ lives and help reverse brain drain in the health sector.
Abbas, represented by the Deputy Speaker, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, pledged legislative support and encouraged stakeholders to back the initiative.
Ms Daju Kachollom, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, noted that the initiative aligned with the Health Workforce Migration Policy 2024, which aimed to strengthen and retain Nigeria’s health workforce.
Prof. Mahmud Raji, Chief Medical Director of National Hospital, expressed hope that the partnership would encourage more doctors and healthcare professionals to participate, ultimately increasing access to quality healthcare and achieving universal health coverage target.
Health
NHIA Appoints Theophilus Egwudah as Plateau State Coordinator
Joel Ajayi
The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has appointed Comrade Theophilus Egwudah Ife as its new Plateau State Coordinator, with effect from January 29, 2026.
The appointment was approved by the Director General of NHIA, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, in recognition of Egwudah’s long-standing service, professionalism and contributions to Nigeria’s health insurance system.
Egwudah, who currently holds the rank of Deputy Director (Programme) at the Federal Capital Territory State Office of the Authority, brings over two decades of experience in health insurance administration, stakeholder engagement and programme coordination to his new role.
Born on March 18, 1973, in Ineme-Ibaji River Line area of Ibaji Local Government Area, present-day Kogi State, Egwudah began his early education in Ottah Ibaji before completing secondary school at St. Peter’s College, Idah. He later gained admission into the University of Jos, Plateau State, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Geography and Planning.
He joined the NHIA in 2001 as a fresh graduate and has since served in several departments and state offices. Notably, he played a key role in coordinating the Urban Self-Employed User Group Pilot Social Health Insurance Programme in Aba, Abia State, beginning in 2003, including the Ariaria Market survey. Colleagues and enrollees across the public and organised private sectors have commended his commitment to sensitisation, enrolment advocacy and resolution of healthcare service complaints.
Egwudah also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Studies from Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, and is a Chartered member of ANAN. He previously emerged as the unanimous Vice Chairman of the NHIA branch of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria.
Reacting to his appointment, Egwudah expressed appreciation to the Director General and management of the Authority for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to deepen access to quality healthcare services and strengthen enrolment across Plateau State.
He is married to Queen Ojochenemi Egwudah.
The NHIA management said the appointment is expected to further enhance the implementation of health insurance programmes in Plateau State, in line with the Authority’s mandate to achieve universal health coverage nationwide.
-
Featured7 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured6 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured6 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured7 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured4 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Sports3 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News1 year agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
-
Featured6 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
