Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum and leaders of the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy are advocating for significant investments in healthcare transformation, emphasizing its critical role in driving national development.
They believe efficient, equitable, and technologically advanced healthcare systems are essential for building a prosperous and resilient society. Transforming healthcare creates a solid foundation for Nigeria’s growth.
Zulum and the academy leaders made this call during the academy’s 10th-anniversary celebration and investiture of new Fellows at the University of Lagos.
Speaking on the theme, “Healthcare Transformation for National Development”, Zulum who was represented by his Deputy, Alhaji Usman Kadafur, said national development becomes more inclusive when all citizens have access to their basic healthcare needs.
The governor said, “As nations face global challenges, investing in healthcare transformation will be vital to unlocking sustainable development and a brighter future for all.
“Healthcare is one of the most critical pillars of any society, serving as a foundation for individuals’ well-being and economic growth. When a nation invests in transforming its healthcare system, it invests in its people and ultimately, its future.
“A robust, accessible and efficient healthcare system fosters a healthy workforce, enhances productivity, reduces poverty and contributes to societal stability.”
Zulum who was honuored with a NAPharm Honorary Fellowship further underscored the link between healthcare transformation and reduction in the economic burden of disease, highlighting that the costs associated with poor health msy be immense.
“This essay explores how healthcare transformation drives national development by examining its impact on economic growth, social equity, human capital development, and technological innovation.
“A healthy population is the bedrock of economic growth. When individuals are healthy, they can participate more actively in the workforce, boosting productivity and contributing to national prosperity.
“Healthcare transformation, mainly through improved access to quality medical care and preventive services, reduces the disease burden and ensures citizens can work longer and more efficiently as explained below”, he noted.
The governor Emphasized that chronic illnesses, avertable diseases, and inadequate healthcare could reduce labour force participation, increase absenteeism, and diminish overall productivity.
“When healthcare systems are weak, the economy suffers from a loss of human capital, as workers may be forced to retire early or reduce their working hours due to illness”, Zulum stated.
Healthcare transformation tackles key challenges by providing timely interventions, promoting preventive care, and ensuring effective disease management.
According to Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, outgoing NAPharm President, healthcare is a critical pillar of society, foundational to individual well-being and economic growth.
The pharmacist said, “When a nation invests in transforming its healthcare system, it invests in people, the most critical asset of a country and ultimately, in its future.
“Healthcare transformation is a powerful driver of national development. By improving the health and well-being of citizens, healthcare systems contribute to economic growth, social equity, human capital development, and technological innovation.
“ When healthcare systems are transformed to be more efficient, equitable, and technologically advanced, they create the foundation for a prosperous and resilient society.”
The Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy (NApharm) marked its 10th investiture ceremony by inducting nine distinguished pharmacists as Fellows, increasing the total to 133.
The event’s highlights included Professor Lere Baale’s inauguration as NApharm’s new President, the unveiling of the NApharm Innovation Centre, and the inauguration of the new executive committee, led by Professor Baale.
