Adekunle Salako, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, has appealed to Nigerian health professionals to resist the trend of migrating to foreign countries, popularly known as the “Japa syndrome,” in search of greener pastures and better working conditions.
He assured healthcare workers of the federal government’s commitment to collaborating with them to combat the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and related deaths in Nigeria.
Speaking in Abuja at the 8th Annual Abuja Cardiovascular Symposium, organized by Cardiocare Multispecialty Hospital, Salako emphasized the importance of healthcare professionals remaining dedicated to improving Nigeria’s healthcare system. He stated, “We must intensify our resolve towards Nigerian healthcare and resist the pull of Japa syndrome in collaboration with the drive of the current administration.”
Themed Sudden Cardiac Death, the symposium brought together over 800 healthcare professionals, including specialists, doctors, nurses, and other medical experts, to discuss strategies for addressing sudden cardiac death. Key advancements in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention were highlighted, with a focus on life-saving interventions such as ECG interpretation, Basic Life Support (BLS), and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS).
Salako, representing the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, praised the symposium’s organizers, particularly Cardiocare Hospitals Abuja and Iseko Iseko, Group Managing Director of Limi Hospital Group, for their role in reversing medical tourism and enhancing healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
“The annual event has been instrumental in improving healthcare delivery and reversing medical tourism,” he said.