Former Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau has called upon the Federal Government to embrace the transformative potential of digital health technology, advocating for its integration into the national healthcare system. The plea was made during the international summit on financing primary healthcare infrastructure, where stakeholders gathered to explore innovative solutions for enhancing healthcare services across Nigeria.
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Transformative Approach Urged at International Summit
Addressing the audience at the summit organized by the Islamic Economic Foundation and sponsored by the Development Research and Project Centre, Shekarau emphasized the urgent need to reshape the future of healthcare in Nigeria. He urged the government to leverage the principles of Islamic finance to create financing models supporting the adoption, implementation, and scaling up of digital health solutions. By doing so, Shekarau believes the challenges faced by the healthcare system can be overcome, bringing essential healthcare services closer to the Nigerian population.
Leveraging Islamic Finance for Healthcare Transformation
Shekarau proposed a holistic approach that integrates digital health technology with Islamic finance principles. This combination, he argued, would not only modernize the healthcare system but also create sustainable financing models. The former governor emphasized the potential of Islamic finance principles to support ethical and socially responsible investments in healthcare, promoting inclusivity, fairness, and prioritizing the well-being of individuals and communities.
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Digital Technology and Islamic Finance Revolutionizing Healthcare Infrastructure
Baba Muhammad, President of the Africa Islamic Economic Foundation, echoed Shekarau’s sentiments by urging Nigeria to tap into finances aimed at revolutionizing healthcare accessibility and sustainability on the continent. He emphasized the unique challenges and opportunities Africa faces in healthcare, underscoring the potential of digital technology to bridge gaps in remote areas.
Muhammad highlighted the power of telemedicine and mobile health applications, citing their ability to provide medical consultations, diagnosis, and treatment options to individuals in far-flung locations.
While supporting the need for Nigeria to diversify its healthcare financing sources, Stanley Ukpai, the Project Director of DRPC, called on stakeholders to explore alternative funding sources. Ukpai emphasized the innovative nature of the summit, providing a link between new funding sources and digital healthcare opportunities that can transform Nigeria’s healthcare delivery. With Nigeria set to witness its highest budgetary allocation to health of 8% in 2024, Ukpai stressed the importance of all stakeholders collaborating to ensure adequate funding for the sector.