Bravo, Nigeria!!! You've finally done something to remove the shame and humiliation Nigerians face overseas when issues about our state of health is discussed in European and American circles. These people often mutter among themselves, and ask "why do these Africans come to our country to occupy space at our hospitals?". With this news, Nigerians can hold their heads high, and can rest assured that the security of its leaders would no-longer be compromised. It was very appalling to observe that the nigerian President would fly to Germany and Saudi Arabia to be treated of some ailments that could've been treated at home.

Truly, if any foreign intelligence service wanted to do away with him, they could've easily posed as doctors and by the way, would receive the blessings of governments in the region. We must never compromise our security, especially if we have facilities that can treat us locally. However, I would advise policymakers that those who may opt to fly overseas for medical treatment may do so, at their own expense. Individual citizens' rights to freely express their choices must not be hindered because of the new dispensation.

Also, since many Nigerians returning home after a long stay overseas may be fully medically insured, if such person or persons wishes to exercise those rights relative to their medical insurance programs, and their choice of doctors who may have their entire medical history before them, it would be foolish to deny such persons access to their primary care physicians. Therefore, even though these new approaches would be instituted in Nigeria, it is important to allow individuals to freely express themselves in terms of the choices they make.

Finally, for a country as diverse as Nigeria, and especially one where tribalism and nepotism is rife, I would suggest that the four regions chosen by the Federal Minister of Health for this program may not be adequate. For those of us from the South-South, if we are relegated to attending a facility where we know we would be discriminated against, frankly, we would not go. More importantly, I would suggest that no indigene of the Niger Delta should be subjected to venture outside of his or her environment to seek treatment beyond the Niger Delta region. I can just see recriminations and license to kill Niger Deltans by doctors who may have some qualms with the way they went about expressing their rights within the Nigerian Federation. We must NEVER be subjected to such a condition again. Many of us suffered untold tribalism and nepotism in the former Eastern Region hence there was a clamour for the creation of a Calabar-Ogoja-Rivers State, to seen as seperate and distinct from the then Eastern Region. Nigeria, please learn some lessons from your past mistakes.

I think the minister's plan is commendable but will it work?Will the hospitals in the so called 4 zones have electricity supply 24 hrs like hospitals in New York and other developed places do?Will those who cannot afford to travel by air to such special hospitals be able to travel freely on well maintained, accident free,non death trap, pot-hole free,armed robbers free,well lit roads?By 2010(which is just around the corner)the above conditions could be met if we had dedicated,sincere leaders in place(but we DON'T!) I TREMBLE AND WEEP 4 MY COUNTRY,NIGERIA.WHEN WILL WE EVER GET THINGS RIGHT?

The minister DID NOT consider those of us in the Niger Delta region because THEY STILL SEE US AS DISPOSABLE COMMODITIES WHICH WE ARE NOT!