Health

Data-driven practices will enhance Nigeria’s quality healthcare — Expert

Published by

8 months ago

A leading expert in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr Adetunji Ade-Conde, has emphasised that adopting and implementing data-driven practices will enhance healthcare quality in Nigeria.

Ade-Conde, a doctor based in Canada, stated that, unlike most international hospitals, many health institutions in Nigeria lack data. This gap hinders the ability to monitor outcomes, identify areas for improvement, and establish benchmarks aligned with global standards.

He stated that enhancing transparency, embracing minimally invasive techniques, and utilizing data-driven practices could improve healthcare quality in Nigeria. The country’s healthcare budget has remained stagnant, primarily due to political challenges and insufficient funding. Strong leadership is essential to elevate healthcare standards.

Ade-Conde stressed the importance of investing in research, stating, “During my time as a medical student at the University of Lagos, we experienced frequent academic strikes that disrupted our learning. Today, Nigerian medical universities should prioritize research to promote evidence-based practice.”

“I propose creating regional centers of excellence to manage advanced care, supported by networks of community hospitals and local health centers. This model, along with accountability measures, would optimise healthcare spending and resources,” he added.

When comparing foreign healthcare systems to Nigeria’s, Ade-Conde stated, “The average Nigerian experiences a higher disease burden than individuals in Europe or North America. In 2023, Nigeria’s healthcare budget was approximately two billion dollars.

“In contrast, Canada, which has a much smaller population, allocated around 300 billion U.S. dollars, while Ireland, with only five million residents, budgeted about 30 billion dollars. This funding disparity places immense pressure on Nigeria’s limited healthcare resources,” he added.

Ade-Conde, an expert in women’s reproductive health, provides care from conception to post-reproductive years. He has been resourceful both in Nigeria and internationally in fertility and reproductive technology, general gynecology, minimally invasive surgery, and obstetrics.

ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE