On 29 March 2022, the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN) held a webinar series with some of the brightest minds in the public health space to chart a new course for the state of healthcare in Nigeria.
We brought together a distinguished panel of experts to discuss health systems transformation as a key to human capital development and economic prosperity.
Strategic Objectives
- Identify the links between stronger health systems & increased business performance.
- Building consensus on the urgency of health systems transformation as a key lever for human capital development.
- Improving the capacity of decision-makers to recognise the benefits of investment in health systems strengthening.
- Mobilise support for PHC revitalisation through the Adopt a Health Facility Program.
Our Distinguished Panel of Experts
Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede FCIB, CON – Lawyer, Banker, Investor Entrepreneur, Philanthropist
Dr Bismarck Rewane – Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Financial Derivatives Company Limited
Ms Ashley Immanuel – Chief Executive Officer, EFInA
Ms. Zouera Youssoufou – Managing Director/CEO, Aliko Dangote Foundation
Dr Andrew S. Nevin – Partner and Chief Economist, PwC West Africa
Ayodele Olojede – Group Head, Emerging Businesses, Access Bank Plc
Prof. Jerry Parwada – Professor of Finance, UNSW Business School, Australia
Dr Ben Nkechika – DG/CEO, Delta State Contributory Health Scheme
Dr Tinuola Akinbolagbe – CEO, Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria
Changing the Approach to Healthcare
Recently, the life expectancy in Nigeria has increased over time, but it is still far behind compared to developed countries. In Nigeria, it has become clear that we need to create a systematic rather than emergency approach to healthcare to ensure people live longer, healthier, and better lives.
Looking at Health From a Business and Societal Point of View
There are many reasons why we have to be strategic about our approach to human capital.
As Mr Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede remarked, “There is a study that explores the link between health and economic growth, and it shows that for every one extra year of life given through health intervention, the GDP of a nation is improved by as much as 4%.”
There is a direct correlation between the state of human capital and the state of a nation.
Why We Need to Prioritise Human Capital
Human capital drives economic growth. We understand that when a country has substantial human capital, it benefits its GDP significantly. However, Nigeria is ranked 161 out of 189 countries in the World Bank’s Human Capital Index 2020
This is primarily due to the poor state of healthcare. Our health system is poorly staffed and underfunded, which negatively affects the quality of life of the Nigerian people.
Nigeria is a country filled with exceptional people. Excellence is something that flows in the blood of every citizen. No matter the industry, Nigerians do not just participate. We win. And you can see this mentality throughout the diaspora.
We need to invest in our country’s talent and provide them with the support they need to excel.
How Innovation Can Improve Health Outcomes in Nigeria
- Access to funding is key to innovation. The amount of funding and resources committed to innovation affects the development, quality, and services related to it. Innovation can help increase access to financing for the health sector.
During the panel, Ms Ashley Immanuel remarked, “Digitisation of records can open up access to credit or asset financing which enables purchasing of supplies and equipment often we see lacking in healthcare centres.”
- Policies and strategies regarding innovation are less developed in the public sector compared to the business sector. There needs to be better collaboration between both sectors to help improve health outcomes to combat this.
- Data sharing is an important part of innovation, but data regarding healthcare is particularly sensitive. We can put systems in place to make sure that this data is anonymised so that we can use it to predict health outcomes and take the necessary steps to improve our health sector.
The Importance of the Public Health System
Having a strong public health and primary health system can transform health outcomes in Nigeria.
As Dr Andrew Nevin noted, “The number one impact investment in healthcare starts with the public health system.”
Covid showed us the difference between having a strong public health system and a weak one. Countries with a better public health system were better placed to handle the pandemic. It has become clear that there needs to be more investment from the government and other stakeholders in the public health sector.
The Role of the Private Sector in Healthcare
The biggest challenge preventing a cohesive partnership between the private and public sectors is the lack of trust. The private sector has doubts about giving money to the government because they don’t trust their intentions. Conversely, the public sector questions the business sector’s desire to make a profit.
However, there is hope. In recent history, the private sector has mobilised around health-related emergencies like Ebola and Covid, which is proof that they are willing to help improve the state of healthcare within Nigeria. We understand that the private sector has a big role to play in improving health outcomes in Nigeria, and there needs to be more collaboration with the public sector to improve the current state of our healthcare system.
Conclusion
“Nigerians are the most enterprising people in the world. It is said that if you go to the north pole, you’ll find a Nigerian fishing.” – Dr Tinuola Akinbolagbe.
During our discussion, we resolved to get the organised private sector involved in investing in the health sector, eliminating trust issues, encouraging partnership, and ensuring accountability between the private and public sectors.
The focus is on systems and strategies that enhance the use of technology and innovation in transforming health care, access to funding, and harmonisation of health data to inform decision making.
We need to keep the conversation active on platforms like the PSHAN Periscope to keep stakeholders on track and bring about positive change.
