Renown Nigerian virologist, Prof. Oyewale Tomori has touted unified action as the only factor that can transform and bring about a total overhaul of Nigeria’s ailing health sector.
In a recent interview with Science Nigeria, Tomori, who also chairs Biovaccines Nigeria Limited, underscored the need for stakeholders to unite, prioritiding national interests over individual concerns.
Tomori highlighted the challenge of transforming health sector implementers and emphasised that achieving effective transformation requires not just intent but timely and complete implementation. He cautions against personal interests taking precedence over national and community welfare, stressing the necessity of a shared purpose.
Expressing confidence in the leadership of the Minister of Health, Prof. Mohammad Pate, Tomori called for collective support in implementing the health sector transformation plan. He further warned against pursuing personal gains at the expense of public benefit, emphasising the need for a collaborative approach.
Regarding the Presidential Unlocking Healthcare-Value Chain Initiative, Tomori reiterated the significance of collaboration, timely execution and ensuring the plan’s benefits reach its intended recipients. The initiative, led by Dr. Abdul Mukhtar, appointed by President Bola Tinubu, aims to attract significant healthcare investments, restructure various aspects of the healthcare system to enhance domestic manufacturing, reduce medical tourism and generate quality jobs through both foreign and local investments.
