The Managing Director of International Facilities Services (IFS) Lagos, Dr Tunde Ayeye has advocated for innovative financing models as a solution to challenges in Nigeria’s health sector.
Ayeye made the call during his paper presentation at the 9th Kola Olafimihan College of Health Sciences Endowed Lecture at the University of Ilorin on Thursday.
The programme is themed, “Improving Access to Quality Healthcare Delivery in a Depressed Economy.”
Ayeye highlighted that financing models, such as Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), could drive sustainable funding for the health sector.
He stressed the need for a holistic approach, suggesting that communities should be viewed as ecosystems where preventive care, early intervention, and education were central to health policies.
“Healthcare must transcend its current boundaries, becoming not just a service but an economic catalyst.
“By transforming healthcare services into engines of economic growth, we can create jobs, attract investment, and foster a thriving health industry,” he said.
He also called for a redefinition of public-private partnerships in healthcare, a new health economy, and strategies to turn brain drain into brain gain.
The Provost of the College of Health Sciences at the University of Ilorin, Prof. Suleiman Alabi pointed out the global economic downturn and emphasised that Nigeria was not immune.
“We need to find ways to ensure quality healthcare in spite of the current economic climate.
“The government has an essential role to play, particularly in improving health insurance,” he said.
Alabi commended the government for initiatives like the Kwara-Care health insurance programme but noted that more people across Nigeria needed to be included in health insurance schemes.
In her response, the daughter of the late Dr Kola Olafimihan, Mrs Mobolaji Adeniyi described her father as a distinguished medical elder and praised the University of Ilorin for organising the endowment lecture in his memory.
NAN
