The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziak Adekunle Salako, has called for the integration of diagnostic services to improve Nigeria’s healthcare delivery system.
Speaking at the National Summit on Diagnostics on Tuesday in Abuja, Salako stressed the importance of standardized and harmonized diagnostic services across all levels of care, from primary to tertiary.
The National Summit on Diagnostics, themed ‘Unlocking Healthcare Value Chains and Improving Universal Health Coverage through Integrated Diagnostic Services’, brought together stakeholders to discuss the challenges and opportunities in Nigeria’s diagnostic landscape.
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The summit aimed to address longstanding challenges in diagnostic services, including fragmentation, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to high-quality services.
While speaking further, the minister noted that a well-integrated diagnostic framework is essential for efficient, effective, and responsive healthcare delivery.
He pointed out the challenges facing Nigeria’s diagnostic landscape, including fragmentation, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to high-quality services.
He, therefore, reiterated that the integration of diagnostic services is crucial for enhancing efficiency, eliminating service duplication, and ensuring the optimal utilization of resources. He also appealed to stakeholders to work together to achieve this goal.
“A strong and well-coordinated diagnostic system is not only vital for clinical decision-making but also for disease surveillance, health data management, and ensuring timely interventions.
“The goal should be how to integrate diagnostic services into the broader healthcare value chain so as to enhance efficiency, improve patient outcomes, and reduce healthcare costs in the long run.
“The Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain is a strategic element of the Renewed Hope Agenda which has the potential to save foreign exchange, create millions of jobs, reduce cost of care, reduce outbound medical tourism and ultimately improve the health status of Nigerians and the economy of Nigeria.
“Diagnostics, with its unique cost recoverable attribute, has a big role to play in this agenda. Let m,e therefore, challenge all participants at this summit to take participation beyond just a mere talkshop by coming up with practical, implementable strategies that can help Nigeria become a global hub for healthcare manufacturing within the next half-decade.
“Let me also use this opportunity to call on all Government agencies, international development partners, private sector actors, and professional associations to ensure continuous integration of diagnostic services into our healthcare delivery system using multiple technologies and optimising the contribution of all diagnostic professionals.
“I wish to appeal to all actors within the diagnostic space to always play as a team, respect and cooperate with each other for the good of the patients we have all sworn to serve.
“As we move forward, I urge all stakeholders to join us in the effort to transform the Nigerian healthcare ecosystem. Together, we can unlock the full potential of diagnostics, transforming the healthcare value chain and improving health outcomes for all Nigerians,” he said.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, noted that diagnostics are fundamental to effective healthcare delivery, influencing over 70% of medical decisions.
Kachollom who was represented by the Director of Hospital Services, Salaudeen Jimoh, said that several challenges persist, including gaps in accessibility and limitations in technology and infrastructure.
He said, “This summit affords a unique opportunity to evaluate our progress, identify obstacles, and formulate actionable strategies aimed at transforming the diagnostic landscape in Nigeria.
“Over the next few days, we will engage in technical presentations, interactive panel discussions, and exhibitions showcasing cutting-edge diagnostic technologies.
“These sessions will not only highlight emerging trends and advancements but also reinforce the critical role of diagnostics in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and national healthcare security.
“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all stakeholders, industry partners, healthcare professionals, and distinguished guests who have come together today to discuss and shape the future of diagnostics in Nigeria.
“May I also encourage all participants to take full advantage of the networking and knowledge-sharing opportunities this summit offers. Let us work together to create a more integrated, innovative, and accessible diagnostic ecosystem for all Nigerians.”
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