A leading healthcare solutions provider, JNC International Ltd (JNCI), has commended President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, saying they have brought stability and progress to Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
Mrs. Ronke Adiele, Head of Sales, Medical and Surgical Solutions, Nigeria and West Africa, JNCI, made the remarks in an interview with reporters on the sidelines of the recently concluded Imo Economic Summit in Owerri.
The summit was held under the theme, “Unlocking Imo’s Economic Potential: Partnership, Investment, and Innovation.”
Adiele described the president’s policies as “progressive” and praised the Presidential Value Chain initiative, which focuses on improving the healthcare value chain and promoting local manufacturing. She noted that local production of healthcare equipment is key to the nation’s economic growth.
She added that the policies had facilitated the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding with global firms to commence local production of items such as rapid diagnostic tests.
Adiele expressed satisfaction with the stability of the exchange rate in recent months, noting that it had significantly aided the company and its clients.
“We have experienced stability with the dollar rate, which has helped the company plan business projections, especially for heavy equipment acquisition. The stability of the exchange rate is a significant factor in facilitating business in the healthcare industry. The government’s responsiveness has increased the organizations profit,” she said.
She added that the Federal Government’s initiatives had positively impacted the healthcare sector, driving improvements and continuity.
However, Adiele noted that slow implementation processes in the public sector remain a challenge. “Lengthy tender processes mean the equipment’s value changes before funding is released,” she said. She called for faster tender processes and increased development financing.
She also advocated for single-digit interest rates to boost the private sector’s contribution to healthcare delivery.
Adiele said the healthcare sector is poised for growth through local manufacturing and infrastructure investments.
“Projections show a rise in local manufacturing, which will create jobs and lower equipment costs. We see a Nigeria that will grow by leaps and bounds in the next few years. Infrastructure, like alternative power and an energy free trade zone, is essential for this success,” she said.
She further said that the president’s new initiatives would lead to a significant reduction in neonatal and maternal mortality rates. Adiele also urged non-medical practitioners to invest in the health sector and highlighted the need for more cancer centres across the country.
It was reported that at its exhibition stand at the summit, JNCI showcased medical equipment, including operation microscopes and training simulators, aimed at reducing neonatal and maternal mortality rates.
