First Lady calls for private sector partnership in universal health coverage
The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has emphasized the importance of private sector involvement and the activation of health insurance in achieving the nation’s goal of Universal Health Coverage.
She stated this on Thursday, during the commissioning of the Diamed Health Center in Lekki, Lagos State.
Senator Tinubu highlighted that such a state-of-the-art facility aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s four-point healthcare agenda.
She explained that the Diamed Health Center plays a critical role in the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s objectives: improving governance and leadership, enhancing population health outcomes, advancing medical industrialization and unlocking value chains, and ensuring health security.
“The commissioning of this center is vital because advanced imaging and accurate diagnosis are the foundation of quality healthcare,” she stated.
“Looking ahead, cross-sector and cross-border collaborations are necessary to drive innovation, share knowledge, and improve patient outcomes. The Diamed Center exemplifies what can be achieved when the government, private sector, and dedicated healthcare professionals work together,” she added.
Senator Tinubu stressed that the dream of universal health coverage cannot be realized without engaging the private sector and fully activating health insurance. She highlighted the importance of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in merging resources and expertise to elevate care standards.
The First Lady commended Sir Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu, Chairman of Diamed Health Center, for his initiative and urged him to continue advancing medical technology.
Dr. Tunji Alaus, Minister of State for Health, represented by Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, noted the rapid improvement in the nation’s healthcare sector, driven by private sector collaboration. He praised the Diamed Health Center as an excellent training ground for medical professionals.
Sir Kessington Adebutu expressed gratitude to the government for creating an enabling environment that facilitated the establishment of the facility.
The event was attended by notable dignitaries, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former state governors, royal fathers, and other distinguished guests.
