PharmAccess, FG Lead Charge for Healthcare Reform at Landmark Symposium
Mary Nnah
A diverse group of leaders, experts, policymakers, and industry professionals convened at PharmAccess’ Research Symposium to explore innovative approaches to advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Nigeria. The event, themed “Innovating Healthcare in Nigeria: Connecting Research and Policy for Universal Health Coverage,” was aimed at linking policy formation with credible scientific data, ensuring that research effectively informs healthcare policy and practice.
Key dignitaries in attendance included Dr. Abdu Mukhtar, National Coordinator, Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC); Mr. Jurgen Bartelink, Deputy Ambassador of the Netherlands to Nigeria; Prof. John Obafunwa, Director General, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR); Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, Director General, Delta State Contributory Health Commission (DSCHC); Dr. Muhammed Lecky, Former Executive Secretary, Health Reform Foundation of Nigeria (HERFON); Mrs. Njide Ndili, Country Director, PharmAccess Nigeria; Dr. Nneka Okekearu, Director, Enterprise Development Centre (EDC), Pan-Atlantic University; Dr. Adedamola Dada, Chief Medical Director, Federal Medical Centre, Ebute Metta; Dr Gafar Alawode, Managing Partner, Development Governance International (DGI) Consult; Mrs Vivianne Ihekweazu, Managing Director, Nigeria Health Watch, and many others.
In his keynote address, Dr. Abdu Mukhtar, National Coordinator of PVAC, stressed the importance of research in advancing Nigeria’s health agenda. He explained that research is essential for unlocking the healthcare value chain, providing the data-driven analysis needed for informed policymaking and resource allocation. He emphasised the need to prioritize research as a key pillar of healthcare reform, as it offers the evidence necessary to effectively address existing challenges.
Mukhtar expressed confidence in Nigeria’s potential to lead in health research, saying: “Nigeria has the capacity to lead in this space, particularly when we harness the expertise of our talented diaspora and strengthen our local research centers of excellence. The government is committed to fostering stronger connections between local and global research institutions to facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration, ensuring that research contributes meaningfully to improving healthcare outcomes.”
While giving his speech, Prof. John Obafunwa, Director General of NIMR, highlighted research as the cornerstone of healthcare innovation. He emphasized NIMR’s commitment to generating evidence that not only informs policy but also drives actionable change in the healthcare system. “We are dedicated to conducting rigorous research that addresses the pressing health challenges facing Nigeria,” Prof. Obafunwa stated. “By translating research findings into practical solutions, we can improve the health and well-being of all Nigerians.”
Speaking to pressmen at the event, Mrs Njide Ndili, Country Director of PharmAccess, underscored the critical role of collaboration in transforming Nigeria’s healthcare system. “This symposium provides an essential platform for bringing together key stakeholders from across the public and private sectors, academia, and policymaking,” she stated. “Through these partnerships, we can truly move the needle towards achieving UHC for all Nigerians. Together, we are laying the groundwork for a more accessible, equitable, and sustainable healthcare system.”
She went on to explain that the need for healthcare innovation has never been more urgent. “The integration of research and policy is the key to driving change,” Ndili continued. “We must bridge the gap between Nigeria’s wealth of research and the policies needed to improve healthcare outcomes. Today’s gathering is a vital opportunity to equip decision-makers with the actionable insights required to create effective strategies for a healthier nation.”
Njide also highlighted PharmAccess’ commitment to building research capacity in Nigeria. “Robust, homegrown research is essential for creating solutions that are contextually relevant and sustainable,” she said. “PharmAccess is proud to partner with local academic institutions to strengthen research efforts that drive the national health agenda. Today’s event reflects our ongoing commitment to advancing local research as a cornerstone of impactful policy-making.”
Also speaking, Dr. Ademola Dada, Chief Medical Director, Federal Medical Centre, Ebute Metta, shared his institution’s commitment to translating research into practical improvements in healthcare. “At FMC Ebute Metta, we have implemented several quality improvement initiatives with significant results in reducing maternal and infant mortality rates. This symposium is a platform for us to share these successes and learn from the experiences of other institutions,” Dr. Dada remarked.
Dr. Nneka Okekearu, Director of the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC), Pan-Atlantic University also highlighted the role of collaborations between the private and public sectors in achieving UHC. “Today’s event has underscored the importance of breaking down silos in the healthcare ecosystem. By connecting research, policy, and implementation, we can strengthen our healthcare system and ensure that Universal Health Coverage is not just a goal but a reality,” she said.
The event featured presentations and discussions across three key themes: the need to link research findings with policy to achieve UHC, strategies for improving the quality of care through leadership and regulatory frameworks, and the use of innovative tools to enhance health outcomes. These sessions underscored the critical role of evidence-based policymaking, leadership, and technology in addressing Nigeria’s healthcare challenges.
A key highlight was a presentation by Prof. Gordon Abekah-Nkrumah, Associate Professor of Health Policy and Management at the University of Ghana Business School, who shared insights from Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). He discussed the implementation of CLAIM-it, a digital claims management system that has streamlined claims processing, reduced errors, and accelerated reimbursements. “CLAIM-it has significantly improved administrative efficiency, marking a major step towards modernizing healthcare delivery and resource management,” he noted.
The symposium highlighted several critical takeaways, including the urgent need for better synchronization between policymakers and researchers to ensure that evidence-based data informs healthcare decisions. Participants also emphasized the importance of putting healthcare on the ballot box, urging voters to prioritize quality and accessible healthcare as a key electoral issue. By doing so, political leaders would recognize the value of healthcare as a winning electioneering strategy. Additionally, the symposium underscored the transformative role of digital health tools and innovation in advancing healthcare outcomes and bridging gaps in access and delivery across Nigeria.
This symposium was organised by PharmAccess in partnership with the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC), and the Federal Medical Center, Ebute Metta. It was also supported by other partners including the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria (HFN), DGI Consult, UHC Forum, Results for Development, Business School Netherlands, Society for Family Health (SFH), Nigeria Health Watch, the Embassy of the Netherlands, and the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy.
PharmAccess is a leading international NGO focused on improving access to quality healthcare in sub-Saharan Africa. Through a combination of research, policy advocacy, and innovative healthcare financing models, PharmAccess works with governments, private sector partners, and civil society to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Nigeria and beyond.
