Ikpeme Neto

Some Public Sector Fix That Can Transform Nigeria's Healthcare System In a recent sessions on healthcare system optimization, we explored the intersection of private sector efficiency & public sector structure. We realized that Nigeria’s healthcare challenges aren’t just about funding or infrastructure—they’re also about adapting the system to overcome inefficiencies that have long hindered better public health outcomes. It was clear from my presentation that design-driven, system-oriented approaches are needed to push the sector forward. The goal? To make our healthcare system more adaptable, efficient, & able to overcome the frictions that currently impair outcomes. Where we landed? 1. Revitalizing Primary Healthcare Centers: There’s no doubt that the government’s efforts to revamp 10,000 primary healthcare centers across the country is a bold move. But without efficient management, these centers risk becoming overburdened. With proper oversight, these centers could provide consistent care to over 70% of the rural population, significantly reducing pressure on secondary & tertiary facilities. 2. Bringing Health Insurance into Focus: The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) reform is set to expand coverage to 83 million Nigerians. That’s impressive, but we discussed how to ensure that bureaucratic bottlenecks don’t undercut this progress. Operational efficiency could reduce healthcare access gaps by 20%, especially in last-mile communities. 3. The Power of eHealth and Telemedicine: We’ve seen firsthand how adopting telemedicine & AI-driven diagnostics in pilot programs can slash wait times & improve patient care quality. A well-executed eHealth strategy could increase efficiency by 15-20% over the next 5 years. Our conversation centered on how public hospitals can integrate these technologies without overwhelming their systems. 4. Scaling Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): We looked at Lagos as a model where PPP projects have improved hospital efficiency by 25%. If more states adopt this model, we could see a significant reduction in the strain on public health facilities. PPPs offer a blueprint for marrying government structure with private sector agility. So, what’s next? For Nigeria to truly transform its healthcare system, we need more than just investment—we need to rethink how we operate. It’s about designing a system that is efficient, adaptable, and centered around patient outcomes. From our discussion, it’s clear that public-private cooperation & technology integration will play critical roles in making this happen. How do you see this public-private approach working in Nigeria’s healthcare system? Let’s keep the conversation going. Muhammad Ali Pate U.S. Department of State | Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy #Healthcare #PublicSector #PrivateSector #Health #SystemOptimization #Efficiency #HealthcareTransformation #eHealth #HealthSystemReform #HealthcareInnovation #PublicHealthEfficiency #DigitalHealth

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Important Announcement @MinistryofHealthLagos In light of the ongoing Cholera outbreak, I had created a comprehensive health coverage ratio map for Lagos. This map illustrates the distribution of healthcare facilities relative to the population, highlighting areas with lower healthcare coverage that may be more vulnerable to the outbreak. The health coverage ratio map can be instrumental in our battle against Cholera by: 1. Identifying Vulnerable Areas: Highlighting regions with inadequate healthcare coverage that require immediate attention and resources. 2. Targeting Interventions: Assisting in the strategic planning and deployment of medical resources to the areas that need them the most. 3. Improving Response Times: Facilitating quicker identification of outbreak hotspots and ensuring timely medical intervention. 4. Enhancing Community Outreach: Informing communities about nearby healthcare facilities to promote early treatment and prevention measures. I believe that utilizing this map can significantly improve our response to the Cholera outbreak, ensuring that no area is left underserved. Let's collaborate to use this tool effectively and safeguard the health of all Lagos residents. #CholeraOutbreak #PublicHealth #LagosHealth #HealthcareMapping #CombatCholera #HealthCoverageRatioMap Prof. Akin Abayomi Prof Akin Abayomi Dr Elizabeth Williams olatiboye olajide Bolaji Obadeyi Oyeyemi Ogunjobi @ministry of Health Lagos State World Health Organization Kehinde Oyegbemi Njide Ndili Aanuoluwapo Soyoye, MBBS, MBA, SAFe SM African Women in GIS Africa Healthcare Network

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Bridging the Healthcare Financing Gap in Emerging Markets! A significant concern for emerging markets is the prevalence of out-of-pocket payments for both public and private services. For instance, approximately 75% (2020) of all health expenditure in Nigeria is out-of-pocket. Addressing the financial gap for health services in emerging markets is a complex challenge that requires a strategic approach. The goal is to establish a coherent system that delivers maximum value for the citizens and ensures equitable access to health services. Here are some examples of strategies to consider. They may seem common sense, but implementation can be challenging. It underscores the need for more systemic thinking in addressing healthcare financing gaps in emerging markets. 1. Evaluate Fiscal Space: Assess the government's budgetary capacity to maintain or enhance healthcare spending, both now and in the future. Identify the gaps and plan services more intelligently to get more value from every dollar spent. Formulate sustainable health financing strategies that adapt to fluctuating economic conditions and health needs. 2. Foster Public-Private Collaboration: Explore how appropriate partnerships between public and private sectors can help fund health services and infrastructure. 3. Aim for Universal Health Coverage: Maintain the focus on universal health coverage, which hopefully guarantees everyone access to necessary health services without financial hardship. 4. Allocate Resources Efficiently: Utilize available financial resources more effectively. Plan and prioritize essential health services in a more organized way by aligning provisions and removing programmatic silos. 5. Explore New Health Insurance Models: Given the fiscal gaps in many countries, it may not be viable to replicate comprehensive models like the UK's NHS. There's an urgent need to investigate various public and private health insurance models that fit the country's context and needs. 6. Invest in Digital Health Innovations: Allocate resources to health technology, including digital health and artificial intelligence, to reach underserved populations and enhance service delivery. 7. Seek but align and Integrate International Support: International organizations and donors can help fill the financing gap, particularly in low-income countries. However, this should ideally be done in a way that does not result in long-term dependency, and all inward funding should be coordinated through government planning. 8. Establish Regulatory Frameworks: Set up regulatory frameworks that incentivize investment in healthcare and ensure transparency and accountability. The out-of-pocket scourge impacts the public and private health sectors in many countries. The fault does not automatically reside with public or private providers but a failing financing system. When planning new or updated services, we must ask who pays and how this does not become an unrealistic out-of-pocket burden.

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Discover how telemedicine is revolutionizing healthcare access in Nigeria! 🌍🏥 Learn about the convenience of consulting with licensed doctors from the comfort of your home, eliminating long wait times and reducing high costs. Through various telemedicine platforms, receive quick diagnoses and affordable care, making healthcare more efficient and accessible for everyone. Watch this video to understand the impact of digital health solutions in improving patient outcomes and addressing healthcare challenges in Nigeria. Don't forget to like, and share the video! #TelemedicineNigeria #HealthcareAccess #DigitalHealth #AffordableCare #MedicalSolutions #Telehealth #NigeriaHealthcare

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Many healthcare products fail to make it to the market — not because their quality is subpar, but due to improper documentation. Onboard’s free calculator helps healthcare businesses bridge this gap. With the calculator, you can access all the necessary documents required for successful registration with NAFDAC in Nigeria. Ready to test the calculator and streamline your product’s entry into the market? Get started with the calculator now at https://lnkd.in/dxN2KmMZ #MarketAccess #HealthcareInnovation #RegulatoryCompliance #AfricaHealthcare #Onboard #InfinityHealth

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🏆 Breaking News: eTranzact has been crowned Africa’s Most Innovative Payment Services Company of 2024 at the African Brands Innovators Forum in Lagos! 🌍✨ Beating out major fintech players, eTranzact's homegrown tech solutions continue to drive Africa’s financial ecosystem forward. 🚀 As African brands from various sectors celebrated innovation, eTranzact stood out as a game-changer in the fintech world. 🔥 What do you think this recognition means for the future of digital payments in Africa? Share your thoughts! 💬👇 #FintechInnovation #Africa #DigitalPayments #Fintech #Award #Awards #Technology #Tech

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Our market mobile clinic was a big success 🎉 We provided access to healthcare for 500+ informal sector Nigerians at the Bodija Market and we enrolled them to the Health4Moni plan. It was amazing to educate this demography on the benefits of the health insurance coverage and to see their enthusiasm and interests. From our insights, we gathered that 4 out of 10 Nigerians from the age of 30 have a chronic disease (hypertension, diabetes, kidney disease, sickle cell, etc) and most undiagnosed. In 2020, 29% of deaths in Nigeria were due to NCDs, with 22% of those deaths occurring in people aged 30–70. This data further corroborates why we do what we do Health4Moni This is our hypothesis; having an health insurance coverage removes the financial barrier that prevents people from seeking immediate care or even getting checkups and this will in turn reduce the morbidity and mortality rates as people can now seek timely care without fear of financial constraints or burden. A big thank you to every medical worker who volunteered, your contributions made the market mobile clinic a huge success. Excited for all that is to come. If you don’t have an health insurance coverage, we have a digital offering for you. See here: https://lnkd.in/d4YPRYdS Till health is truly for all, we keep working! #affordablehealthcare #healthforall #mobileclinic #healthinsurance #qualityhealthcare #healthfinancing #goodhealthandwellbeing #Health4Moni

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🇳🇬 An October 1st Reflection. 🇳🇬 In its persistent quest for health equity and improved public health, Nigeria has undertaken significant journeys that promise a brighter future for all citizens. This year, we've witnessed a commendable commitment from our leadership, with the President, in collaboration with the Minister of Health and the Minister of State for Health, driving initiatives to revolutionise our health sector. The introduction of the Men5CV vaccine against meningitis marks a policy achievement and a historic moment, positioning Nigeria as a pioneer in health innovation on the continent. This effort, supported by global health bodies, highlights our capability to tackle endemic diseases head-on, promising a healthier future for millions. At the sub-national level, initiatives like the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme, supported by the SHIP electronic platform, reflect a localised yet impactful approach towards universal health coverage. The SHIP platform facilitates the administration of the insurance scheme, acting as a crucial tool in ensuring accessible healthcare for all socio-economic groups. This digital infrastructure represents hope, signalling a shift towards improved healthcare accessibility and efficiency. The establishment of committees to delve into health insurance models further indicates a serious intent to dismantle barriers to healthcare access, ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind due to financial constraints. Efforts to strengthen primary health care through programs like the Saving One Million Lives initiative continue to underscore the commitment to reducing maternal and newborn mortality rates, and enhancing overall health system resilience. The humanitarian needs overview for 2024, particularly in regions like the BAY states, highlights the importance of addressing broader socio-economic issues like conflict and climate change impacts in our pursuit of healthcare advancement. That said, it's important to recognise that the journey is far from over. The dedication of our health workers, the strategic foresight of our policymakers, and the innovative spirit of our health sector partners light the path forward. Today, we commend the relentless efforts of all involved, knowing well that every policy, every vaccine administered, and every health insurance card issued is a step towards a healthier, more equitable Nigeria. Let this Independence Day be a call to action—not just for those in governance but for every Nigerian to take ownership of our health destiny. May we continue to forge a future where healthcare is not a luxury but a fundamental right accessible to all, ensuring that the Nigeria we celebrate is one where every citizen can thrive in health and dignity.

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Exciting developments in healthcare innovation! The Lagos State Government has inked a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding with Interswitch Group eClat to launch the Lagos Smart Health Information Platform, aimed at revolutionizing healthcare delivery across the state. This strategic partnership marks a significant step towards leveraging technology to enhance operational efficiency and accessibility within the Nigerian healthcare sector, which has long struggled with funding gaps. Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwoolu highlighted the transformative potential of this collaboration, emphasizing its role in ushering in a new era of healthcare management through digital solutions. The Smart Health Information Platform promises to streamline access to medical records, eliminate payment barriers, and empower citizens to actively participate in their healthcare journey. This initiative underscores Lagos State’s commitment to leveraging innovation for improved healthcare outcomes and efficient service delivery. Interswitch, a key partner in this initiative, will leverage its expertise in electronic payment solutions to integrate electronic medical records seamlessly across various healthcare facilities. Wallace Ogufere, President and CEO of Interswitch, expressed confidence that the platform will address longstanding challenges in medical records management, promoting transparency, efficiency, and the availability of essential healthcare tools. This collaboration is poised to set a new standard in healthcare technology infrastructure across Nigeria. #HealthcareInnovation #DigitalTransformation #LagosState #Interswitch #SmartHealth #PublicPrivatePartnership #HealthTech #ElectronicMedicalRecords #Governance #NigeriaHealthcare To Read more: https://zurl.co/8g0h

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The FCCPC's recent actions appear to disproportionately target foreign companies, raising concerns about potential bias. This trend is worrisome—first BAT, then WhatsApp, and now Coca-Cola. What’s going on? Why aren’t we hearing about And Sons Limited? Why does the focus seem to be on international investments? If you ask me, those looking for money go where the money is. That might be the only reason or motivation behind this. A company comes into this country to create employment opportunities for Nigerians, yet an opportunistic agency swoops in. Instead of letting Nigerians benefit from the investment, they impose all kinds of fines. $110 million $220 million What’s next? We must ensure that the FCCPC's investigations and enforcement actions are grounded in solid evidence and applied equally to both domestic and foreign companies. Let’s level the playing field—we need to attract foreign investment and foster competition. It’s time to regulate the regulator! #FCCPCDiminishingTrust @tradeinvestng @ngrsenate @ngrpresident @housengr @tunjiibello

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Here's a peek into the incredible resilience and quick thinking our healthcare providers exhibit every day. While the situation is exaggerated for laughs, it mirrors the real-life challenges faced by healthcare professionals across Nigeria. Here are a few takeaways: 💪 Resilience Under Pressure: Just like the doctor in the video who keeps his cool, our healthcare providers manage to stay composed and focused, even in the most stressful situations. Whether it's handling emergencies or managing limited resources, their resilience is truly commendable. 🤔 Quick Thinking: A doctor’s ability to adapt quickly is a reminder of how our medical professionals often have to think on their feet. From diagnosing rare conditions to improvising with the tools at hand, quick thinking is a crucial skill in healthcare. 😂 Maintaining a Sense of Humor: Humor can be a powerful coping mechanism. The laughter in the video reminds us that sometimes, a little humor can go a long way in easing the tension and bringing a smile, even in challenging circumstances. 🚑 Dedication and Commitment: Behind the humor lies a deep commitment to saving lives and improving health outcomes. Our healthcare providers work tirelessly, often going above and beyond their call of duty, to ensure the well-being of their patients. Let's take a moment to appreciate and thank all the healthcare heroes out there. Your hard work, dedication, and perseverance do not go unnoticed. 🙌 Share your stories or give a shout-out to a healthcare provider who has made a difference in your life. Let's spread some appreciation and positivity! #HealthcareHeroes #NigerianHealthcare #Resilience #QuickThinking #Dedication #HealthcareAppreciation vid: @succyjones

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My Thought on Drug Distribution through Digital Health This #digital era has made information even more accessible to everyone, and the digital health industry is growing well enough in Nigeria. Our health sector is gradually adopting digital drug distribution, which is laudable, although I wish we could push up and dominate better like the Fintech startups. The traditional methods of distributing pharmaceuticals have often been affected by so many inefficiencies, delays, and quality control issues. However, there is a new wave of transformation, seeing how medicines reach patients through faster, safer, and more reliable access. It means that some people are putting in the work. Procurement digital health techs like DrugStoc, Remedial Health (YC W22), Field Intelligence Inc. , RxAll and many others are key players in this development. They are leveraging technology to streamline the supply chain, reduce costs, and improve the availability of essential medicines for all. The essence of these tech-enabled procurement platforms is to focus on connecting pharmacies and hospitals directly with manufacturers and suppliers, ensuring that drugs are authentic, affordable, and readily available. These platforms can also help pharmacies manage inventory, track sales, and reorder stock efficiently. This absolutely reduces the risk of stockouts and ensures that patients receive the medications they need as soon as possible. They will also be able to focus on a data-driven approach to drug distribution, such that they will analyze patterns and trends in medication demand and use. This will also help to verify the authenticity of drugs to combat the problem of counterfeit medications in the market. This is a great way to protect the health of patients and solidify trust in the pharma space. The general adoption of these digital Health tech solutions will be a great game changer for us all and eventually impact healthcare in Nigeria. This is particularly crucial for managing chronic conditions and emergencies where timely medication can be life-saving. There are challenges and I have always shown my concerns about internet connections from our telecommunication companies, especially for hospitals, pharmacies and individuals in the rural regions of the country. If the internet network is bad, people in these regions will not be able to access these platforms nor reach out via a call as soon as expected. However, the potential benefits far outweigh the challenges. The success of these digital health tech solutions will encourage more players to enter the market and also challenge our telecom industry to expand its reach to every part of the country. With continued innovation and investment in digital health, the healthcare dream of Nigerians is within reach and the possibilities are endless. 'Femi Banjo. #healthcare #Digitalhealth #AI #healthtech #telecom #Rx #Healthforall #medications

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How can we improve Healthcare in Nigeria? I believe the very first step is to get the government to uphold its commitment to the 15% allocation to healthcare, which Nigeria was a signatory to at the 2001 Abuja Declaration. Not much can be done at the governmental level unless we stick to this. 70% of the health facilities in the country are government-owned, so this is a responsibility that the state must tackle, while we look towards encouraging more FDI for the private sector. I am emphasising this because technology is needed in order to make these facilities more efficient. We also need to leverage health tech platforms in increasing coverage , especially in the rural areas. However, both solutions are dependent on funding or else they won't happen. I know there are complaints about the government not having enough revenue. However, the problem with our finances might be more a case of financial irresponsibility on the part of actors and political leaders. Budgeting would always give attention to priority areas above others, and what other area has such an exponential impact on other sectors like healthcare (excluding education. perhaps)? #healthcare #Nigeria

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📢Nigerian Startup Field Tackles Maternal Mortality With $11M Boost “Nigerian e-health startup, Field, has unveiled a new service aimed at addressing Africa’s maternal mortality crisis. Backed by a $11 million investment from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Field’s initiative focuses on emerging therapies for maternal, newborn, and child health as well as improving nutrition across the continent. Co-founded in 2015 by Michael Moreland Justin Lorenzon and Peter Bunor , Field Intelligence Inc. has already made significant strides in transforming healthcare delivery through its pharmaceutical supply chain solutions, operating in Nigeria and Kenya. The company has supported over 800 million health interventions, targeting critical areas like HIV, tuberculosis, and family planning. With its new initiative, Field aims to provide private and public healthcare providers with a streamlined route to market for the latest therapies and medical technologies.” Source https://lnkd.in/dpu4HAC4

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How can we transform today's disease models into ones that are more focused on quality of life and well-being? We can do this with better #policies and driven by the power of technology and AI! If you are in Abuja today and want to discuss how policies focused on better prevention and diagnosis can help countries like #Nigeria leap into the future, come and find us. Healthcare Federation of Nigeria #Abuja #ResponsibleAI #DigitalHealth Ricardo Baptista Leite, M.D. Paul Campbell Alberto-Giovanni Busetto, PhD Peiling Yap

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Announcing our latest Africa Business Community member! Welcome to John Idowu mMBA from NextGen Health Tech, Nigeria. Visit https://bit.ly/3EuIY5W to Join FREE! Company Overview: www.drugs.ng is an innovative and inventory-less online marketplace where medical suppliers can list their products and services in one central location, allowing pharmacies and hospitals to find the best deals for their pharmaceutical needs. We are on a mission to simplify, streamline, and expedite the process of sourcing and receiving medicines, medical supplies and consumables in Nigeria by connecting pharmaceutical manufacturers, importers, registered modern wholesale distributors and wholesalers to hospitals, NGOs and retail pharmacy outlets across the country. Our solution will be available at www.drugs.ng which will come as a web app and mobile app on both the iOS and Android platforms. We aim to onboard all the registered wholesalers in the country on the platform and then get hospitals & retail outlets to sign up as customers. Thus, customers will be able to search for products, and place orders from their favorite wholesalers, make payments, and get their orders delivered to them without needing to leave their office. This enhances efficiency, judicious use of time, transparency, ability to get prices and quotations easily, and prompt delivery. The Nigerian Pharmaceutical sector is currently valued at $4bn, and we aim to take 10% market share in the next 5 years. #africa #sustainabledevelopment #impactinvesting #financialinclusion #africarising #socialimpact #socialinnovation #nigeria

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