By Abujah Racheal
The Federal Government has expressed its commitment to advance Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) as a central pillar in revitalising Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
The government said this is part of the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Programme and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, said this during a facility tour of Everight Diagnostics and Laboratory Services Ltd. in Abuja.
Salako lauded the diagnostics firm for its innovation, resilience and contribution to addressing medical brain drain by offering state-of-the-art diagnostic services locally.
He described Everight as a model for homegrown excellence and a blueprint for sustainable healthcare investment.
“I am truly impressed with what you have built here. It is a testament to vision, perseverance and collaboration.
“This is the type of model the government supports; one where the private sector grows while contributing meaningfully to national health development,” he said.
He called on Nigerian health professionals to believe in the system and invest their skills locally.
“When you leave your country, no matter how hard you work, you are rarely number one. But here, you can create value, lead and build something impactful,” he said.
The Chairman/CEO of Everight Diagnostics, Dr Everest Okpara, said that the company remained committed to reducing the over two billion dollars Nigeria loses annually to medical tourism and outsourcing of specialised laboratory tests.
“Your visit is a major morale boost. It affirms that our efforts are not going unnoticed.
“We are determined to close diagnostic gaps, provide employment for health professionals and retain medical expertise within our borders,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the visit signals deeper collaboration between Everight Diagnostics and the Federal Ministry of Health to leverage PPP frameworks for enhanced innovation, sustainability, and improved healthcare access.
Facilities inspected by the minister included the Histopathology and Cytology Laboratory, Radiological Department (MRI and CT scan units), X-ray and Ultrasound Suites, and Clinical Laboratory Services.
Observers said that the visit reflects the administration’s readiness to integrate private sector capacity into public health strategies as Nigeria accelerates efforts toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)