FG urged to appreciate home-based medical doctors 

Adequate Human Resources for Health has been described as indispensable to achieving Universal Health Coverage,  a role that can not be achieved without an adequate number of qualified medical practitioners.

On the contrary, as important as the role of this group of life saving professional groups is to any country, there is fear of uncertainty amongst the common masses in view of the mass exodus of physicians out of Nigeria for greener pastures.

Amidst the huge exodus and with the federal government getting overwhelmed and unable to nip the challenge in the bud in view of its failure to provide commensurate remunerations that will keep the medical personnel in the country, the good news is that there are still some indigenous medical doctors that still choose to remain in Nigeria.

One such medical Doctor is Dr Yu’suf Haroun who according to testimonies from some patients who had benefited from him has emphasised Haroun’s genuine desire to make a positive impact on people’s lives in Nigeria despite the unattractive circumstances surrounding the profession.

Mrs Tolani Jubril who recalled how Haroun saved her family from a tragedy through his swift intervention acknowledged Haroun’s commitment to women’s healthcare through provision of access to quality services.

Dr. Yusuf Haroun’s journey commenced as he was born into a middle-class family, sparking an early passion for the intricacies of the human body and a genuine desire to make a positive impact on people’s lives.

According to Mrs Jubril, Dr Haroun despite his love for women’s healthcare, also carved a niche for himself through balancing clinical responsibilities with cutting-edge research, which has actively contributed to behavioural and sexual health literature, publishing in reputable sources and presenting at conferences.

Possessing all these qualities, attributes which many countries are looking for and for Haroun to still choose to remain in the country, Jubril has called on the government to appreciate other medical personnel who fall into the category of Dr Haroun.

His academic and clinical excellence showed a natural aptitude for the complexities of healthcare, setting the stage for a remarkable career.

Driven by an insatiable desire to deepen his understanding of medicine, Dr. Haroun attended Franklin University in Ohio, United States, earning a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) degree—a crucial step in his journey toward becoming a certified medical professional.

Apart from his medical practice, Dr. Haroun’s educational journey extended beyond healthcare. Trained to teach in medicine at the graduate level, he also earned a Masters of Business Administration from Harvard Business School, demonstrating versatility beyond the medical field.

During his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), he served at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) in 2012, followed by an internship at St. Catherine Medical Centre, Mafoluku, Oshodi. He published a journal in 2008 during his MBBS studies, laying the foundation for the Love For Health Organization (LHO), a global initiative committed to women’s healthcare advocacy and access to quality services.

Between 2013 and 2015, Dr. Haroun practised privately  in Saudi Arabia as an Amerisource Supervisor for a 3PL Pharmaceutical Logistic Center.

 His recent publications advocate for increased biomedical research funding in Nigeria and call for concerted efforts to curb youth restiveness through leadership empowerment.

Dr. Haroun’s dedication to excellence in medicine, education, and community service reflects not only in his life but also in his impactful career. His journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring health professionals, illustrating the profound impact one individual can have on the advancement of medical science and societal well-being.