The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening public-private partnerships (PPPs) as a key strategy in revitalising Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
This pledge aligns with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Programme and President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda, which emphasises innovation, accessibility and private sector collaboration.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako made the commitment on Saturday during a facility tour of Everight Diagnostics and Laboratory Services Ltd. in Abuja.
Salako commended the diagnostics company for its innovation, resilience and role in countering the nation’s medical brain drain. He praised the facility’s state-of-the-art infrastructure and its contribution to providing high-quality diagnostic services locally.
“I’m truly impressed with what you’ve built here. It’s a testament to vision, perseverance, and strategic collaboration,” the minister said. “This is the kind of model the government fully supports, where the private sector thrives while contributing meaningfully to national health development.”
He urged Nigerian medical professionals to invest their expertise at home. “When you leave your country, you may work hard, but you’re rarely at the top. Here, you can lead, create value and leave a lasting impact,” he added.
Welcoming the minister, chairman of Everight Diagnostics, Dr. Everest Okpara reaffirmed the company’s commitment to reducing the over $2 billion lost annually to medical tourism and the outsourcing of specialised tests.
“Your visit is a morale booster. It affirms that our efforts are being recognised,” Okpara said. “We’re determined to close diagnostic gaps, create jobs, and retain medical expertise within Nigeria.”
Science Nigeria reports that the visit signals stronger collaboration between Everight Diagnostics and the Federal Ministry of Health to explore PPP models that drive innovation, sustainability and improved access to healthcare.
Facilities inspected during the tour included the histopathology and cytology laboratory, radiological department (MRI and CT scan units), x-ray and ultrasound suites and clinical laboratory services.
Observers say the visit underscores the government’s intent to integrate private sector capacity into public health strategy, a critical step toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
