The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Tunji Alausa, has reiterated the importance of recognition and reward in motivating individual healthcare personnel to achieve more health outcomes.
The Minister stated this at the maiden edition of the African Health and Medical Awards in Nigeria, organised by the Africanstride International Magazine.
Alausa, who was represented by his Special Adviser, Emmanuel Odu, commended the organizers for identifying and honouring outstanding individuals, citing the impact of Teflon online as an example.
Alausa also acknowledged the pillars of the health sector, as outlined by the Vice Chancellor, which include improving governance and leadership, population health, health system performance, service delivery, unlocking health value chains, and health security.
Alausa expressed gratitude to the Executive Secretary of Tetfund, Arc. Sonny Echono, and the Federal Minister of Education for their productive partnership with the health sector.
He highlighted the success of this collaboration, noting that every medical doctor is a product of this partnership.
He urged the Federal Minister of Education to continue this partnership, especially given the positive environment in the health sector, from the President to the Federal Minister of Health and Tetfund.
Alausa emphasized the importance of this collaboration, citing the impressive reputation of Nigerian doctors internationally.
He encouraged the continuation of this partnership to achieve even greater results, given the aligned efforts of the President, Federal Minister of Health, Permanent Secretaries, and Tetfund. By working together, they can achieve significant improvements in the health sector and enhance health outcomes in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Professor Innocent AO Ujah, Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo Benue State, in his keynote speech on “Renewing Hope in Health Governance and Leadership in Nigeria”, emphasized the need for urgent transformation in Nigeria’s healthcare system, which faces numerous challenges, including inadequate funding, brain drain, insecurity, and poor healthcare infrastructure.
Ujah highlighted the importance of effective governance and leadership in addressing these challenges. He commended the Federal Government’s efforts to reposition tertiary health facilities but noted that more needs to be done to improve healthcare delivery, particularly at the primary and secondary levels. He also emphasized the need for increased domestic financing, expansion of primary healthcare, and financial protection for the poor and vulnerable.
Ujah concluded by emphasizing the need for deliberate efforts to invest in healthcare, operationalize the National Council of Research and Innovation, incentivize healthcare workers, and address insecurity and bureaucracies in the health sector.
He also stressed the importance of partnership and collaboration with the private sector and international organizations to achieve improved healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the Chief Medical Director of Alliance Hospital, Dr Christopher Otabor, was honoured for his exceptional contributions to the healthcare sector in Nigeria.
The award also acknowledges his relentless efforts to reduce medical tourism by providing high-quality care locally, by saving the country millions of dollars annually.
In his acceptance speech, Dr. Otabor expressed deep gratitude and pride, highlighting Alliance Hospital’s commitment to comprehensive care through substantial investments in cutting-edge equipment, skilled manpower, and a conducive environment.
He said, retaining patients within Nigeria is crucial as Nigeria spends an estimated $1 billion annually on medical care abroad for conditions that can be treated locally.
Otabor emphasized the need for increased investment in healthcare infrastructure, retaining medical professionals, and maintaining a positive attitude towards patients.
He further envisioned a future where Nigerians receive world-class healthcare locally, marking a significant milestone in the transformation of the nation’s healthcare system.
Otabor’s efforts have created a local environment capable of handling complex medical cases previously treated abroad, thus saving Nigeria substantial funds. His dedication serves as a powerful example of sustainable healthcare development.
The African Leadership Award celebrates Otabor’s transformative impact, inspiring continued investment and dedication to enhancing Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Otabor, therefore, stressed the need for greater collaboration between the government and the private healthcare sector.
“Private hospitals treat 70% of patients in Nigeria, yet the government often competes with rather than supports us,” he noted. “This needs to change.”
He further explained that private healthcare providers in Nigeria face numerous challenges, including high taxation and limited support.
“In India, where 98% of Nigerians seek treatment, patients go to private hospitals because their government supports them with funding, loans, and tax holidays. We need similar support here.”
Highlighting the importance of investment in healthcare, he urged wealthy Nigerians to consider setting up foundations and investing in the healthcare sector. “Investing in healthcare saves lives, and it could be your life,” he stated.
Otabor also discussed the financial pressures on private healthcare providers, citing a recent increase in equipment costs and rising loan interest rates. “We cannot transfer all the costs to patients; they simply won’t be able to afford it.”
Otabor, therefore, called on the government to recognize and support the sacrifices made by those still dedicated to improving Nigeria’s healthcare environment.
“We are making great sacrifices, and the government must acknowledge that,” he concluded.
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