The Transformation of Primary Healthcare in Nigeria
The incoming managing director of Fidson Healthcare Plc, Mr. Biola Adebayo, has shared insights into the ongoing revitalisation of Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across Nigeria. He highlighted that these efforts are already yielding significant results by reducing pressure on secondary and tertiary health facilities and improving access to affordable medicine for millions of Nigerians.
Adebayo commended the federal government for increasing funding for PHCs and acknowledged the role of state governments, especially in the north, for stepping up their healthcare investments. He pointed out that healthcare is on the concurrent legislative list, yet many people still believe it is solely the responsibility of the federal government. However, he noted that states are now taking ownership of healthcare initiatives.
He mentioned that 14 northern states now have functional Drug Management Agencies (DMAs), which procure medicines directly from manufacturers, cutting out middlemen. This approach ensures affordability, quality, and a reliable supply chain. Adebayo also noted that this transformation is driving local demand and enabling domestic pharmaceutical manufacturers like Fidson to supply nearly 50 per cent of Nigeria’s medicines, up from 30 per cent just a few years ago.
Improving Access to Basic Treatment
According to Adebayo, access to basic treatment at the primary level means fewer people are crowding general and teaching hospitals for illnesses like malaria, which accounts for over 60 per cent of cases in most facilities. He cited Lagos State as a model, where efforts to optimise PHCs have been led, with other states like Osun following suit by reviving previously abandoned centres.
Government partnerships with DMAs and pharmaceutical companies are creating a healthier and more productive population. Adebayo praised former Health Minister, Prof. Isaac Adewole, for piloting a model that ceded PHCs to private doctors, though he believes the current model, where states directly employ doctors, is more sustainable.
Progress and Challenges in the Health Sector
Adebayo noted that the revitalisation of PHCs is no longer a dream but is already happening. States are signing direct supply agreements with manufacturers, backed by legislation. These structures are helping ensure the success of drug-revolving funds and limiting interference.
He also highlighted the role of World Bank-supported Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programmes, which provide counterpart funding to states that meet specific criteria like stocking PHCs with essential medicines. Adebayo acknowledged that the government inherited huge gaps in the health sector, but he observed visible progress, with citizens beginning to feel the impact of governance in areas like health, roads, and education.
Addressing the Quality of Pharmacy Education
On the quality of pharmacy education, Adebayo expressed concerns about the growing trend of “alternative to practicals” in universities, where students only observe demonstrations due to a lack of equipment. He noted that today’s pharmacy and science graduates often lack hands-on training, leading to a need for retraining upon entering the industry.
He lamented that unlike in his time as a student, access to operational equipment is now rare. Adebayo pointed out that bright young Nigerians are under-equipped, not just in pharmacy but also in engineering, where graduates often do not know how to use basic tools like spanners.
Investing in Training and Development
Fidson has had to invest heavily in internal training systems to fill this gap. Adebayo explained that they used to need nine experts for a particular machine, but with their internal capacity, two are now enough to run the system and train others. His teams now operate 24/7, with some becoming industry experts in their own right.
Adebayo called on both government and the private sector to prioritise technical education and workforce development. He stressed that it is not enough to build classrooms; they must be equipped and lecturers trained as well. He believes the future of healthcare and manufacturing depends on this.
Looking Ahead
Adebayo expressed optimism that, with continued collaboration between government and industry stakeholders, Nigeria’s health sector can become self-sustaining and a major employer of labour. He remains confident that the ongoing efforts in revitalising PHCs will lead to long-term benefits for the country’s healthcare system.