The Director General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has identified technological disruption and regulatory changes as some of the factors militating against the nation’s path to a sustainable healthcare future.
The NAFDAC boss, who also outlined evolving patient needs as part of the factors, said effective strategies must be adopted to mitigate healthcare system strain in Nigeria.
Prof. Adeyeye, who spoke in Ado-Ekiti at the weekend, during the maiden induction ceremony for 95 graduands of Doctors of Pharmacy of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), said such required a holistic approach that addresses demographic shifts, disease burden, operational inefficiencies, and potential external shocks.
Delivering the induction lecture, with the theme: “Navigating Tides of Change In A Strained Healthcare System – Pharmacists As Compass To Quality Care,” she said key strategies include embracing digital health tools, fostering flexibility and adaptability, and advocating for policy changes to address resource limitations and increasing demand.
To navigate the tides, she stressed that embracing digital health and innovation through the use of technology will extend care beyond hospital walls, reaching more patients, managing chronic conditions remotely, and leveraging data to identify bottlenecks, predict demand, and optimize resource allocation for better efficiency.
“Implement strategies to reduce wait times and improve patient flow, such as triage systems and digital appointment booking. Invest in preventive measures and public health initiatives to reduce the overall burden on the system and promote healthier communities through patient-centred care. Develop clear strategies for allocating limited resources to areas with the greatest needs. Advocate for policies that address systemic issues such as funding shortfalls, workforce shortages, and promoting long-term sustainability of the healthcare system, among others.”
In his remarks, the founder of the university, Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), commended the graduands for their discipline, dedication, and hard work.
He urged them to be guided by, and continually subject themselves to, the rules and regulations of the regulating body, Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN).
The legal icon said, “We have distinguished ourselves in inculcating the requisite learning and character in our students. Please, do not depart from the teachings you learnt here; doing that, the future is yours.
“Be good ambassadors of your university, and continue to make use of the ABUAD anthem, AFEISM, as your guiding philosophy as you go out.”
The Registrar, PCN, Pharm. Ibrahim Ahmed, who administered the oath on the inductees, admonished them to make the ethics of the profession their watchwords.
Earlier in her address, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, urged the inductees to be compassionate, guided by skill, discipline, and ethical conduct in their profession.
She said, “The world you are entering demands professionalism anchored on international best practices. In this age of transnational epidemics, counterfeit medication, and rapid pharmaceutical innovation, the pharmacist cannot afford parochial knowledge or ethical lapses. Uphold the value of diligence, accuracy, and empathy. Remain students of life: learning, relearning, and innovating.”
