By Nafisat Makinde
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to strengthening public-private partnerships (PPPs) in the health sector, aligning with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Programme and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. This commitment was reaffirmed during an official visit by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, to Everight Diagnostic and Laboratory Services Ltd. in Abuja.
Dr. Salako commended the laboratory for its innovation, resilience, and significant contribution to reducing medical brain drain by providing opportunities for Nigerian professionals to thrive at home. “I’m impressed by what you’ve built here. It takes vision, perseverance, and collaboration,” the Minister said. “This is the kind of model the government encourages where the private sector grows and contributes meaningfully to national health development.”
The Challenge of Medical Tourism
Everight Diagnostics’ Chairman/CEO, Dr. Everest Okpara, expressed gratitude for the recognition and support, underscoring their mission to reduce capital flight through quality diagnostic services and strategic partnerships within Nigeria. “Your visit is a huge morale boost for us. It means our efforts are being seen and appreciated,” Dr. Okpara said. “We are working towards reducing the over $2 billion lost annually to medical tourism and the outsourcing of advanced laboratory tests abroad.”
State-of-the-Art Facilities
The Minister toured key departments of the facility, including:
- Histopathology & Cytology Laboratory
- Radiological Department (MRI and CT Scan facilities)
- X-ray and Ultrasound
- Clinical Laboratory
A New Era of Collaboration
The visit laid the foundation for deeper collaboration between Everight Diagnostics and the Federal Ministry of Health, as both parties committed to leveraging PPP models to drive excellence, innovation, and sustainability in healthcare delivery. Dr. Salako’s visit is widely seen as a signal of the present administration’s seriousness in supporting indigenous healthcare solutions and harnessing the potential of Nigeria’s private sector to advance universal health coverage.
Dr. Salako urged Nigerian medical professionals to believe in the possibilities within the country, adding that those who choose to stay and build local institutions are helping shape a stronger future for Nigeria’s healthcare system. “When you leave your country, no matter how hard you try, you’re unlikely to be number one. But here, you can create value, build systems, and lead in your own right,” he emphasized.
