Mikail T. AliyuÂ
Building a strong healthcare system is a major difficulty for many African countries, particularly Nigeria. To accomplish this, we must prioritize capacity building—putting the right people in the appropriate positions. This implies favoring skilled professionals over individuals who have been in the system for a long time but lack the necessary skills. It’s time to prioritize skill and aptitude to ensure that our healthcare systems can effectively satisfy our people’ demands.
Healthcare is an ever-changing field that necessitates ongoing learning and adaptability. Skilled experts bring new viewpoints, current information, and unique solutions to the table. These professionals are prepared with cutting-edge techniques and best practices, making them important assets in the healthcare industry. Prioritizing this expertise guarantees that the system is both efficient and capable of providing high-quality treatment.
In contrast, relying entirely on long-term employees who lack the requisite abilities might lead to stagnation. These employees may be used to antiquated practices and averse to change, impeding progress and innovation. To genuinely strengthen our healthcare systems, we must embrace a culture of learning and improvement, valuing knowledge and competence over tenure.
The concept of putting the right people in the right locations extends beyond simply having talented experts; it also includes deliberate placement where their skills can be most effectively exploited. This necessitates a thorough grasp of the healthcare needs of various regions and aligning them with the appropriate expertise.
For example, in rural communities with limited healthcare access, assigning a well-trained primary care physician or nurse with substantial community health expertise can have a major impact. In urban areas with more complex health challenges, professionals in numerous medical professions are essential. This deliberate deployment guarantees that all areas, whether urban or rural, receive the care they require from the people who are best equipped to offer it.
In the same vein, a monitoring and evaluation officer at the local government level must possess at least basic to intermediate Microsoft Excel skills. This proficiency is essential for accurately interpreting data, enabling bosses to review it more efficiently and make informed decisions. Similarly, as a director in the Federal Ministry of Health, it is crucial to have strong program management and stakeholder engagement skills. We cannot allow foreign partners or donors to take the lead and dictate project agendas. You are at the forefront of these efforts and must own your position, demonstrating leadership and earning the respect of stakeholders. By doing so, you ensure that initiatives are driven by local insights and priorities, ultimately strengthening the impact and sustainability of health programs.
Continuous training and development are critical elements of capacity building. The healthcare landscape is continually evolving, as new ailments emerge and cures are created. To stay up with these changes, healthcare workers must continue their education and professional growth.
Investing in ongoing training programs ensures that healthcare staff maintain competence and confidence in their talents. It also contributes to the development of an excellence culture and a commitment to giving the finest service possible. Furthermore, constant training helps bridge the gap between experienced employees and new hires, ensuring that everyone has up-to-date knowledge and abilities.
One of the most important parts of improving healthcare systems is retaining a personal touch. Healthcare is more than just treating diseases; it is also about caring for individuals. Skilled professionals are typically better suited to deliver this comprehensive treatment, since they realize that emotional support, empathy, and communication are just as vital as medical interventions.
Consider a nurse who takes the time to explain a patient’s diagnosis and treatment plan in terms that they can understand. This technique not only makes the patient feel more at ease, but it also promotes better adherence to treatment plans, resulting in better health outcomes. Skilled practitioners that prioritize patient-centered care can significantly improve the healthcare experience.
It is without doubt that prioritizing competent individuals and ensuring they are in the proper areas presents obstacles. There are typically bureaucratic roadblocks, reluctance to change, and a scarcity of resources. These impediments, however, can be overcome with strong leadership, clear policies, and a dedication to improving the healthcare system. While tenure is important because there are some experiences you gain on your journey, we must merge tenure with capacity.
Governments and healthcare institutions must collaborate to develop policies that encourage the recruitment, training, and retention of qualified workers. This involves offering competitive compensation, chances for professional development, and fostering a positive work atmosphere.
In conclusion, we need to be more intentional about succession planning. It is important to have a well-laid-out plan to transfer capacity downwards intentionally. Succession planning is crucial for strengthening the healthcare system in Africa because it ensures continuity and stability in leadership and operations. By identifying and preparing future leaders, we can maintain the momentum of ongoing healthcare initiatives and prevent disruptions caused by sudden leadership changes. This proactive approach helps preserve institutional knowledge, fosters mentorship, and builds a pipeline of skilled professionals ready to step into critical roles.
The ability to successfully increase capacity is critical to the strengthening of healthcare systems in Nigeria and throughout Africa. We can develop a patient-centered, innovative, and responsive healthcare system by prioritizing talented personnel and strategically placing them where they are most needed. It’s time to break free from the status quo and embrace a future in which expertise and compassion are the foundations of healthcare. Investing in our people is the first step in achieving this aim and creating a healthy future for everyone.
Let’s put the right people in the appropriate positions and create a healthcare system that really serves our communities.
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