Transforming Nigeria’s Medical Landscape through Visionary Leadership and Smart Partnerships
Joseph Ugboaja and Chinedu Moghalu (Guest Writers)
In Anambra State, Nigeria, we are witnessing a remarkable transformation in healthcare. This journey began with the vision of creating a state-of-the-art medical facility that would not only serve the immediate community but also set a benchmark for healthcare delivery across Nigeria. This vision was realised through groundbreaking innovations and was commissioned at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital’s (NAUTH) Permanent Site in Nnewi on Wednesday, July 17th, 2024. The milestone celebrating the first anniversary of its official commissioning and final relocation of the hospital to the permanent site shows what can be achieved through visionary leadership, strategic investment, and collaborative effort.
The NAUTH Permanent Site project- a medical megacity, is the result of three years of audacious and meticulous planning, construction, and evaluation. The facility is a 2000-bed capacity complex built on 100 hectares of land featuring state-of-the-art facilities, including a 240-bed Trauma and Emergency Complex, a 200-bed Pediatrics Emergency Complex, a 200-bed Medical Ward Complex, a 200-bed Surgical Ward Complex, a 120-bed Mother and Childcare Building, a Radiology Building, a General Outpatient Department Complex, as well as many specialist clinics. The presence of two oxygen production plants with an aggregate capacity of 200 cylinders a day further ensures self-sufficient medical oxygen but a steady supply to the surrounding facilities. Indeed, the NAUTH Medical Megacity Project is poised to transform healthcare delivery not just in Nigeria but in the entire West Africa sub-region.
Towards better health for all Nigerians
The improvements in healthcare infrastructure directly contribute to better health outcomes, lower mortality rates, and increased accessibility to quality care for all Nigerians. This progress is essential for the overall development of the nation, as a healthy population is a cornerstone of economic and social prosperity.
This transformation also reflects a commitment to addressing long-standing healthcare challenges in the country such as inadequate medical facilities, limited access to specialised care, and high maternal and child mortality rates. By setting a new standard for healthcare infrastructure, NAUTH also serves as a model for other regions in Nigeria, encouraging similar investments and developments nationwide.
Aligning with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative
The achievements at NAUTH are closely aligned with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Initiative (NHSRII). The principles of this initiative are seamlessly integrated into the hospital’s development and operations, underscoring the importance of a structured approach to healthcare advancement.
The NHSRII, through the Compact and the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp), emphasises coordinated efforts between federal and state governments, development partners, and private sector entities. This integration ensures that resources are effectively utilised and that there is a unified approach to tackling healthcare challenges. The development of NAUTH exemplifies these principles, showcasing the power of strategic thinking and partnerships through a 10-year development plan aimed at positioning the institution to be among the top three health facilities in Nigeria by 2030.
Visionary leadership and collaborative support
The remarkable progress at NAUTH has been significantly catalysed by the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Honorable Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate. Their support and strategic direction in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda have been instrumental in fostering an environment where ambitious projects like the NAUTH Permanent Site can flourish.
“Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge,” said Simon Sinek. This philosophy resonates deeply with the leadership shown by President Tinubu and Hon. Pate, whose guidance has empowered institutions like NAUTH to strive for excellence. The government’s whole-of-society approach has fostered an environment where public and private sectors collaborate effectively to achieve common goals.
Sir Emeka Offor, former chairman of Erhc Energy Inc, and the CEO of Chrome Group significantly funded the Medical Ward Complex, showcasing the remarkable impact one individual’s vision and dedication can achieve. Dr. Cletus Ibeto, CON, demonstrated extraordinary generosity by establishing the General Outpatient Department (GOPD) Complex as well as the Accident & Emergency Complex. Equally, the distinguished Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah played a pivotal role by mobilising the Anambra Progressives to fund the Medical Outpatient Clinic. Beyond collaboration with individuals, the NAUTH project showcases what can be achieved by collaboration among government agencies. The Mother & Child Complex, the Children’s Emergency Complex, as well as the Intensive Care Units, were all part of the health interventions of the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, while the Oxygen Plant project is part of the multibillion health intervention by the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas project.
These remarkable individuals and government agencies have shown that when all segments of society unite, they can achieve incredible feats. Their support and dedication highlight the immense impact of collective effort in transforming healthcare for the better.
Globally, numerous examples illustrate how private sector involvement and philanthropic initiatives have significantly advanced healthcare. Rwanda’s healthcare system has seen remarkable improvements due to a strong commitment from the government, support from international partners, and community-based health insurance schemes.
Nigeria is on the right path with the NHSRII, as the collaborative efforts seen at NAUTH attest. Harnessing the strengths of various stakeholders enables the building of a resilient healthcare system that meets the needs of all our citizens.
Boosting quality healthcare through collaborative funding and insurance coverage
The improvements at NAUTH are part of a broader strategy to boost quality healthcare across Nigeria. The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMOHSW), along with its partners, is ramping up funding and extending health insurance coverage through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF). This initiative aims to strengthen Primary Health Care (PHC) systems nationwide, ensuring that even the most remote communities have access to essential health services.
The expertise and advanced facilities at NAUTH and other secondary and tertiary care centers will greatly benefit PHCs by providing a referral network that ensures continuity of care. Patients can receive primary care at local health centers and be referred to specialised facilities like NAUTH for more complex treatments. This integrated approach enhances the overall healthcare delivery system, ensuring that all Nigerians receive the care they need.
The path forward
The commissioning of the NAUTH Permanent Site is not just a celebration of past accomplishments but a reaffirmation of our commitment to a brighter future for healthcare in Anambra State and Nigeria at large. Although challenges remain within the health system, combating them will require even more robust collaboration and continued efforts by all sectors to ensure that every Nigerian has access to quality health services.
While Nigeria may be navigating through challenging times, the focus on healthcare transformation provides encouragement that the health sector is moving towards the right direction. With collective effort and commitment from the federal government of Nigeria, there is confidence that we can build a better country for future generations.
As Hon. Muhammad Ali Pate remarked, “Our commitment to health is our commitment to our people. Healthcare transcends politics and unites us all in a common goal: to ensure the best possible health outcomes for every Nigerian. Investing in health is investing in the future of Nigeria.”
To achieve this vision, we call on banks, high-net-worth individuals, and large body corporates to invest in health. This investment need not be limited to building medical complexes; it can extend to funding community health programmes, supporting health education initiatives, and providing resources for preventive care. By investing in health, we create wealth not only at a national level but also within our communities, fostering a healthier, more productive population that can drive Nigeria’s development forward. Additionally, such investments could include establishing faculty chairs, scholarships, mentorship programs, and research grants.
As a popular African saying goes- “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” As a country, we are individually and collectively responsible for our health and that of our those around us. This is the letter and spirit of the Compact and Sector-Wide Approach being orchestrated by the Coordinating Minister under the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative.
Prof Joseph Ugboaja, OON, is the Chief Medical Director of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State.
Barrister Chinedu Moghalu is the SSA to the Hon Coordinating Minister of Health & Social Welfare.
