‘Countries with modern, reliable healthcare attractive to foreign investors, businesses’

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum has said that healthcare systems will create a foundation for a prosperous and resilient society when transformed to be more efficient, equitable and technologically advanced.

Speaking at its recent 10th anniversary and investiture ceremony in Lagos organised by the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy (NAPHARM) themed: “Healthcare Transformation and National Development,” Zulum represented by his deputy, Umar Kadafur, said national development becomes more inclusive when all citizens have access to their basic healthcare needs.

The governor, who was honoured as a fellow, said countries with modern and reliable healthcare systems are more attractive to foreign investors and businesses.

According to him, investing in healthcare transformation will be vital to unlocking sustainable development and a brighter future for all. “The economic costs associated with poor health can be immense. Chronic illnesses, preventable diseases and inadequate healthcare can reduce labour force participation, increase absenteeism and diminish overall productivity.

“When healthcare systems are weak, the economy suffers from a loss of human capital, as workers may be forced to retire early or reduce their working hours due to illness.

“Healthcare transformation addresses these challenges by providing timely interventions, promoting preventive healthcare and ensuring that diseases are managed effectively. As a result, individuals can stay in the workforce longer and businesses can operate more efficiently without employee absenteeism. This contributes to a more stable and productive economy.

“Healthcare transformation signals that a country is committed to the well-being of its citizens and provides a stable environment for business operations.

“Investors are more likely to invest in countries where employees can access high-quality healthcare, reducing the risk of workforce disruptions and lowering the cost of doing business. By improving healthcare infrastructure, nations can position themselves as prime destinations for global companies and investors, boosting economic development.”

Zulum noted that healthcare is a fundamental human right and accessibility is a crucial measure of social equity in any nation. “When healthcare systems are inequitable, with access limited to specific groups based on income, geography, or social status, disparities in health outcomes increase.”

The governor added that over 230 healthcare facilities have been destroyed in the state in the past 10 years during the insurgency. “But we are still determined to make sure we give the best in the medical sector.

“We are trying as much as we can to rebuild all these clinics and provide the best that we can so that our people can access pre-medical services at the local level, and also nutritional support for children and mothers.”

He also said the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and World Food Programme (WFP) have provided nutritional support to malnourished children and pregnant lactating women.

Outgoing NAPharm President, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, said the academy is aimed at promoting a culture of excellence, and collaboration among its members and across the pharma field.

“It also aimed at promoting research and development, transfer of healthcare outcomes and these can only be done by promoting fellows of the academy to continue to be people of knowledge and character,” he noted.