Strong diagnostic system key to saving lives, says Minister

By Kunle Sanni

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, has emphasized the critical role of diagnostics in strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system.

Speaking at the National Summit on Diagnostics held at the Abuja Continental Hotel, the minister underscored that a strong and well-coordinated diagnostic system is essential for clinical decision-making, disease surveillance, health data management, and timely medical interventions.

Salako highlighted that diagnostics form the foundation of healthcare delivery, enabling accurate disease detection, effective treatment planning, and continuous patient monitoring. He stressed that without a well-integrated diagnostic framework, achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and improving healthcare outcomes would remain a challenge.

Reflecting on lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, the minister noted that diagnostics played a crucial role in managing public health emergencies. He urged stakeholders to build on these experiences to strengthen the country’s diagnostic ecosystem, ensuring it meets routine healthcare needs while also enhancing national health security and pandemic preparedness.

“The goal should be to integrate diagnostic services into the broader healthcare value chain to enhance efficiency, improve patient outcomes, and reduce healthcare costs in the long run,” he stated.

Salako also emphasized the importance of standardizing and harmonizing diagnostic services across all levels of healthcare—primary, secondary, and tertiary—to eliminate service duplication and optimize resources. He called on government agencies, private sector players, and international partners to collaborate in integrating modern diagnostic technologies into Nigeria’s healthcare system.

As part of the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain, the minister highlighted the economic potential of a robust diagnostic sector. He noted that strengthening diagnostics could save foreign exchange, create jobs, reduce medical tourism, and boost healthcare manufacturing in Nigeria.

He challenged participants at the summit to move beyond discussions and develop practical strategies to position Nigeria as a global hub for healthcare manufacturing within the next five years.