PSHAN Concludes Successful 2024 Annual Conference, Drives forward Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria

Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN) has concluded its 2024 Annual Conference. Held on June 25th-27th in Lagos, the event was themed “Harnessing Private Sector Solutions for Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Nigeria’s Evolving Health Insurance Landscape.” The timely conference brought together business leaders, key stakeholders, and healthcare experts for impactful discussions to advance the country’s healthcare system.

The event commenced with a physical event on Tuesday, June 25th in Lagos, an invitation-only Leaders Summit. This session gathered influential figures in the healthcare sector to deliberate strategic collaborations and innovative solutions to enhance the UHC. The discussions focused on the implications of the recently passed Nigeria Health Insurance Act (NHIA), exploring how the private sector can effectively contribute to its implementation and drive significant improvements in healthcare access and quality.

In her introduction of the special guests and keynote speakers, Dr. Tinuola Akinbolagbe, MD/CEO of PSHAN, gave a background of the conference’s theme whilst highlighting the objective of the conference. Dr. Tayo Aduloju, CEO of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) and Special Guest of Honour.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Tayo Aduloju, CEO of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) said, “90% of essential UHC interventions can be delivered through primary healthcare centres, potentially saving 60 million lives and increasing global life expectancy by 3.7 years by 2030. Given the government’s limited capacity and competing challenges, the private health sector must be leveraged to unlock innovation and resources for UHC, especially via private healthcare involvement, policies favouring and inspiring PPPs, collaborating with digital healthcare delivery and tech integrating organisations.”

Nicole Spieker, CEO of PharmAccess Foundation, delivered a special guest address, offering valuable insights on the innovative approaches harnessing private sector solutions for achieving universal health coverage in Nigeria’s evolving health insurance landscape.

The panel discussion on “Private Sector Solutions for Universal Health Coverage: Myth or Reality?” followed. Moderated by Iyadunni Olubode, Director of Nigeria Programs at MSD for Mothers, panelists included Dr. Leke Oshunniyi, MD of AIICO Multishield Limited; Abimbola Adebakin, Founder and CEO of Advantage Health Africa; Dr. Ngozi Onyia of Paleon Memorial Hospital; Peju Ibekwe, CEO of Sterling One Foundation; Dr. Alero Roberts, Associate Professor at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos; and Modupeola Ogundimu, Director Lagos Zone, National Health Insurance Authority

Following the physical summit, the conference continued with a virtual session on June 27th, open to the public. This online session facilitated a rich exchange of perspectives and experiences, enriching the dialogue and proposing actionable solutions to the challenges faced in achieving UHC in Nigeria. Dr. Leke Oshunniyi, Chairman of the Health and Managed Care Association of Nigeria (HMCAN), delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the critical role of the private sector in achieving UHC. He advocated for strengthened collaborations and innovative approaches to healthcare delivery.

The panel discussion on “The Role of Private Sector in Achieving Universal Health Coverage” followed. Moderated by Dr. Anne Adah-Ogo, Director of Policy at PSHAN, the panel featured Vivianne Ihekweazu, Managing Director, Nigeria Health Watch; Dr. Oluwakolade Abayomi, Group Medical Consultant, Dangote Industries Limited; Kenneth Okolie, MD/CEO, SYNLAB Nigeria; Rotimi Olatunji, Head Business Development, Lagos State Health Management Agency; and Dr. Mories Atoki, CEO, African Business Coalition For Health The discussion highlighted the private sector’s contributions to UHC, exploring strategic partnerships and innovative solutions.

Dr. Tinuola Akinbolagbe, MD/CEO of PSHAN, reflected on the successful event from conference, stating, “As we wrap up this enlightening session, I am inspired by the profound insights and commitments shared towards advancing healthcare in Nigeria. Today’s deliberations underscored the pivotal role of collaboration and innovation in achieving our collective aim of universal health coverage. PSHAN remains steadfast in driving transformative change in the health sector, leveraging strategic partnerships and innovative approaches to ensure equitable access to quality healthcare for all Nigerians. Together, we will pioneer solutions that address current challenges and pave the way towards a healthier future.”

The 2024 PSHAN Annual Conference successfully facilitated dialogue, promoted collaboration, and drove innovation in the healthcare sector. By bringing together leaders and experts, PSHAN aims to create a conducive environment for developing actionable strategies to significantly impact Nigeria’s healthcare system and its journey towards universal health coverage. The alliance remains committed to leveraging private sector resources and expertise to improve health outcomes across Nigeria.