The Healthcare Federation of Nigeria (HFN) has urged the Federal Government to enhance healthcare financing, provide incentives for local pharmaceutical manufacturing, and promote sustainable energy solutions for hospitals.
This call was made during HFN’s ‘Health Walk and Blood Donor Drive’ initiative, aimed at supporting the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service. The event, which marked HFN’s 10th anniversary, emphasized the importance of universal healthcare through strategic collaboration between the government, private sector, and civil society.
HFN Advocates for Blood Donation and Policy Reforms
During the event, HFN members walked from the National Museum in Onikan, Lagos, to under the Falomo Bridge to raise awareness about healthcare and voluntary blood donation.
HFN’s Pioneer President and Managing Director of JNC International, Claire Omashaye, underscored the critical role of blood donation in saving lives.
“Blood has no substitute. No laboratory can manufacture it. We must recognize our collective responsibility to donate voluntarily. You never know when you or a loved one might need it,” she said.
Omashaye highlighted HFN’s contributions to shaping key healthcare policies over the past decade, including its role in the National Health Act and the Cancer Health Fund, which supports indigent cancer patients.
“What started with 40 of us coming together to unify the private healthcare sector’s voice has grown into an influential force in policy discussions. We must continue advocating for quality healthcare and unlocking the private sector’s full potential,” she added.
Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships
HFN’s incoming president, Njide Ndili, reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to strengthening private-public partnerships and leveraging technology to improve healthcare access.
“Over the last 10 years, we’ve gone from being outside the compound to sitting at the table with the government. Now, we must build on these successes by supporting hospitals, engaging the diaspora, and ensuring policies that foster private-sector growth,” Ndili stated.
Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service representative, Tope Balogun, commended HFN for its support and explained the rigorous process involved in blood donation, including pre-donation counseling, health checks, and screening to ensure donor and recipient safety.
HFN plans to expand its advocacy efforts across Nigeria’s 36 states and strengthen collaborations with West African and African healthcare sectors to drive impactful reforms.
