Key Takeaways

• PSHAN urges increased investment in primary healthcare and digital health systems to enhance access to quality care in Nigeria.
• The Adopted Primary Healthcare Facility Project has improved health outcomes for nearly one million Nigerians in three years.
• Stakeholders emphasize the need for collaboration among government, private sector, and investors to achieve universal healthcare access.

Investment in Primary Healthcare Needed

The Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN) is advocating for the federal and state governments to enhance investment in primary healthcare (PHC) and digital health systems, which are crucial for improving access to quality healthcare across the nation. At PSHAN’s 2026 annual conference in Lagos, themed “Driving Digital Innovation for a Healthier Nigeria”, Dr. Anne Adah-Ogoh, the Director of Policy and Programmes, highlighted that the Adopted Primary Healthcare Facility Project has successfully provided access to quality healthcare for nearly one million Nigerians over the past three years.

Dr. Adah-Ogoh reported that utilization of revitalized primary healthcare centres increased by over 1,000 percent post-refurbishment, showcasing a positive response from Nigerians when healthcare services are affordable and high-quality. She noted that effective primary healthcare could address around 80 percent of the country’s disease burden before escalating to secondary or tertiary care. Health insurance was emphasized as a vital component in shielding citizens from significant out-of-pocket healthcare costs.

The project has facilitated skilled antenatal, delivery, and postnatal care for nearly 300,000 women and routine immunization for approximately 250,000 infants without any reported maternal or infant deaths in supported facilities. The need for deeper collaboration between government and the private sector was strongly advised to expand access to quality primary healthcare.

Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, a Board Director at PSHAN, argued that digital technology cannot transform healthcare without robust institutions and effective policies. Although there are over 120 health technology startups active in Nigeria, millions still lack access to quality healthcare, with 72 percent of health expenditures financed through out-of-pocket payments. He urged innovators to concentrate on fundamental healthcare issues rather than just deploying trendy technologies.

Mrs. Fola Laoye, Co-founder and CEO of Iwosan Healthcare, noted the significant investment opportunities within Nigeria’s healthcare sector, driven by rising demand for services, expanding health insurance, and the adoption of digital health solutions. She encouraged healthcare entrepreneurs to develop scalable solutions to address systemic challenges and meet internationally recognized quality standards.

The conference concluded with a unified agreement among stakeholders that Nigeria has the necessary talent and innovation to transform its healthcare landscape. However, achieving universal healthcare access will depend on sustained collaboration across government, the private sector, investors, and development partners.

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