A renowned healthcare entrepreneur and investor, Dr Richardson Ajayi, has called for a transformative approach to addressing the deep-seated challenges in Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Ajayi made the call in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.
He said that a comprehensive roadmap to create a healthcare system that prioritises equity, accessibility, and innovation was needed.
According to him, healthcare should no longer be seen as a luxury but as a fundamental human right.
“Eliminating barriers that prevent families from accessing essential services is vital.
“Whether in Lagos or a remote village, every Nigerian deserves access to quality healthcare,” he said.
He called for a decisive action to ensure that geographic and economic disparities do not dictate the quality of care individuals receive.
He advocated for the adoption of a hub-and-spoke model to address the lack of healthcare access in rural areas,
“Under this system, well-equipped hub facilities will support smaller community health centres, ensuring that rural communities have access to comprehensive care.
“This model leverages existing infrastructure while addressing critical gaps,” he said.
He highlighted the transformative power of technology, particularly telemedicine, which proved effective during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said that remote consultations, diagnostics, and digital health solutions could bring healthcare to underserved regions, calling for a nationwide integration of such systems.
“Technology bridges geographical divides and can significantly improve outcomes in hard-to-reach areas.
“Financial constraints remain a significant barrier to healthcare in Nigeria, where out-of-pocket payments account for a large percentage of medical expenditures,’’ he said.
Ajayi called for urgent reforms, including expanding insurance schemes, subsidisng care, and adopting innovative financing models.
He said that out-of-pocket healthcare costs were unsustainable, adding that affordability should never be a barrier to care.
He urged policymakers to prioritise healthcare funding and insurance access for low-income families.
He said that collaboration between the public sector and private enterprises could expand infrastructure and improve service delivery.
“Strong partnerships have the potential to build a resilient and efficient healthcare system that works for everyone,” he said.
He identified Community Health Workers (CHWs) as essential to improving rural healthcare access.
He advocated for investing in training, deploying mobile clinics, and empowering CHWs to deliver preventive care and health education in underserved areas.
“Community health workers are the backbone of rural healthcare systems. They bring care closer to the people and ensure that no one is left behind,” ge said.
The entrepreneur also called for inclusivity through the active engagement of all stakeholders, like government, private enterprises, and community leaders.
He said that healthcare reform must be inclusive, with the voices of marginalised populations informing decisions.
“Collaboration is key to building a system that serves everyone, regardless of financial or geographic circumstances,.
“The journey ahead will require determination, patience, and a commitment to equity.
“Together, we can build a healthcare system that not only saves lives but also respects them,” he said.
Findings by NAN revealed that the proposed hub-and-spoke model and telemedicine solutions are not abstract concepts.
Successful implementations of these systems can be seen in countries like India and Kenya, where similar models have significantly improved rural healthcare outcomes.
Also, innovative financing schemes such as health vouchers and community-based insurance programmes have shown promise in improving affordability in other low- and middle-income countries.(NAN)
