Access to quality healthcare should not be a privilege but a fundamental right – Susan Madurechi

In this interview with Segun Adebayo, Susan Madurechi, who heads the Corporate Communication Department of Como Consult Limited, speaks on the dearth of basic health infrastructure in the nation, interventions and long term solutions.

What is your overview of Nigeria’s healthcare sector?

Currently, Nigeria has a lot of issues affecting the health sector. Most obvious of them is the unfortunate statistics of inadequate health centres across the nation’s rural areas.
Also, the problems of inadequate manpower and poor remuneration for health workers are some of the big issues dragging the nation backward.
Furthermore, the few health equipment we have are not well managed, we don’t have the skilled manpower to effectively manage this equipment, some end up being redundant
There is also the problem of inadequate allocation of funds for continuous education of healthcare professionals.
and of course, the dearth of prompt emergency medical response systems in both rural and urban areas of the country, which most times leads to avoidable mortality.

In view of all the issues you highlighted, can you tell us about the role of your organization in the nation’s public health sector and community development?

At Como Consult Limited, we are committed to improving healthcare accessibility, particularly in underserved and rural communities. Over the years, we have successfully executed numerous government and private sector contracts focused on creating health awareness programs, providing health consultation services, supplying medicals and medical equipment, training medical volunteers, partnering with medical professionals, and conducting Community Health Needs Assessments.
Our work is rooted in the belief that access to quality healthcare should not be a privilege but a fundamental right. Through our projects, we aim to bridge the healthcare gap, reduce mortality rates, and ensure that people in hard-to-reach areas receive the medical attention they need.

As regards public enlightenment, what specific initiatives have Como Consult Limited executed to educate communities on public health issues?

Health awareness is key to disease prevention. We have rolled out several government and donor-funded health education campaigns across the country. These programs focus on maternal and child health, hygiene and sanitation, malaria prevention, reproductive health, and chronic disease management.
For instance, we successfully executed a project in Northern Nigeria aimed at educating communities on maternal health and safe childbirth practices, which has significantly contributed to a decline in maternal and infant mortality rates in those areas. Similarly, in riverine communities prone to waterborne diseases, we’ve conducted hygiene awareness campaigns that have drastically reduced cases of cholera and typhoid.

Beyond awareness, your organization provides health consultation services. Can you elaborate on this aspect of your work?

Absolutely. Many communities in Nigeria lack access to qualified healthcare professionals, making health consultations a vital service. Through our various programs, we have set up community-based health consultation programs where doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals provide medical advice, conduct screenings, and offer treatment for common ailments.
One of our standout projects involved deploying mobile health clinics to rural communities, providing free consultations, screening for non-communicable diseases like hypertension and diabetes, and offering early cancer detection services. These initiatives have had a profound impact, particularly in areas where hospitals and clinics are scarce.

The provision of medical supplies and equipment is a critical challenge in Nigeria. How has Como Consult Limited addressed this issue?

Indeed, many healthcare facilities in rural Nigeria struggle due to inadequate medical supplies and obsolete equipment. Through our operations, we have successfully procured and distributed essential medical supplies and equipment to primary healthcare centers, general hospitals, and outreach programs.
Our interventions have equipped facilities with ultrasound machines, oxygen concentrators, surgical kits, incubators for neonatal care, and essential drugs to treat prevalent diseases such as malaria, pneumonia, and tuberculosis. In some instances, our efforts have revitalized underfunded healthcare facilities, making it possible for them to deliver better patient care.

Training and capacity-building are essential for sustainable healthcare improvements. How has Como Consult Limited contributed to strengthening the healthcare workforce?

We strongly believe that a trained and well-equipped healthcare workforce is the backbone of an effective healthcare system. As part of our contracts, we have implemented training programs for medical volunteers, community health workers, and first responders.
One such initiative was a nationwide first-aid training program for volunteers, which has improved emergency response times and saved lives in crisis situations. In rural communities, we have also trained traditional birth attendants (TBAs) to ensure safer delivery practices and prevent complications during childbirth. These training programs are designed to empower local health workers so that they can provide ongoing medical assistance even in the absence of full-time medical professionals.

How has your collaboration with medical professionals improved healthcare services in Nigeria?

Partnerships are at the heart of what we do. We work closely with medical doctors, nurses, pharmacists, public health experts, and international health organizations to deliver high-impact healthcare interventions.
For example, we recently partnered with a coalition of medical professionals to conduct a free medical outreach program in remote parts of Northern Nigeria, where hundreds of individuals received eye care, general medical checkups, and minor surgeries at no cost. These collaborations ensure that underserved communities receive quality medical care from experienced professionals who volunteer their time and expertise.

Community Health Needs Assessments play a crucial role in healthcare planning. How does Como Consult use this tool to shape its interventions?

Community Health Needs Assessments allow us to understand the specific health challenges of each community before implementing any project. We conduct detailed assessments to identify disease prevalence, access to medical facilities, and local healthcare barriers.
For instance, in one of our assessments in rural North-Central Nigeria, we discovered high cases of malnutrition among children. As a result, we designed a nutrition intervention program, which included distributing fortified foods, educating mothers on proper infant feeding practices, and working with local farmers to improve food security. This targeted approach ensures that our projects address real and pressing health concerns.

What has been the overall impact of Como Consult Limited’s healthcare initiatives on Nigeria’s public health landscape?

The impact has been far-reaching. Through our executed programs, we have
increased health awareness and disease prevention across thousands of communities.
We have provided life-saving medical consultations and treatments to underserved populations.
We have also supplied critical medical equipment to hospitals and primary healthcare centers as well as trained hundreds of medical volunteers who continue to support healthcare delivery.
Very importantly also, we have conducted extensive community health assessments to guide policy and intervention strategies.
The result of these efforts is a stronger healthcare system, healthier communities, and improved quality of life for many Nigerians, especially in rural and underserved areas.

What are the future plans for Como Consult Limited regarding healthcare expansion?

We are committed to expanding our reach and scaling up our initiatives to benefit even more communities. Some of our upcoming projects include expanding mobile health clinics to cover more hard-to-reach areas. Also, the launching of telemedicine services to connect rural patients with specialist doctors.
We are also strengthening maternal and child health programs to further reduce mortality rates.
We are also enhancing our collaborations with global health organizations to attract more funding and expertise.
We believe that through continued innovation, strategic partnerships, and government support, we can bridge the healthcare gap in Nigeria and ensure that no community is left behind.

Finally, how can individuals and organizations support Como Consult Limited’s healthcare initiatives?

Our organization welcomes partnerships from government agencies, corporate bodies, NGOs, and individuals who share our vision of transforming Nigeria’s healthcare sector. Whether through funding, medical expertise, or volunteer work, everyone can play a role in creating healthier communities.
Anyone interested in working with us can visit our website or contact our management team. We firmly believe that together, we can make quality healthcare accessible to all Nigerians.

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