Institute Seeks Enhanced Funding for Nigeria’s Health Sector

The Institute of Health Service Administrators of Nigeria (IHSAN) has urged both federal and state governments to increase budgetary allocations to the health sector, emphasizing the need to adequately serve the health needs of Nigerians.

This call was made by IHSAN National President, Eze Chijioke, in a statement released on Wednesday, following the 40th National Professional Development Workshop (1st Run) Extraordinary Council Meeting and Induction Programme held in Ido Ekiti.

“Such increase, in line with the at least 15 per cent Abuja Declaration, will also boost hospital infrastructures and equipment and as well stem the migration of the country’s health and medical workers”

The event, hosted by the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido Ekiti (FETHI), focused on the theme, ‘Developing Sustainable Best Practices in Hospital Administration,’ and brought together health professionals to discuss best practices and sustainable approaches to healthcare management.

During the ceremony, IHSAN also inducted new members and conferred honorary fellowship awards on FETHI Chief Medical Director, Prof. Adekunle Ajayi, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ekiti State Ministry of Health, Mrs. Olusola Gbenga-Igotun, in recognition of their contributions to the healthcare sector.

The Institute of Health Service Administrators of Nigeria (IHSAN) also honored Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, FETHI Chief Medical Director, Prof. Adekunle Ajayi, and the founder of the Olu Alo Foundation, Prophet Sam Olu Alo, with awards of excellence for their significant contributions to the healthcare sector.

Meanwhile, in a communique issued at the end of the five-day workshop, the institute called on federal and state governments to adhere to the Abuja Declaration, which mandates allocating at least 15% of annual budgets to healthcare. IHSAN emphasized that the current funding levels fall significantly short of this target, undermining efforts to deliver quality healthcare to Nigerians.

“The institute encourages governments to prioritise primary healthcare, provide quality healthcare at all levels, improve on the National Health Insurance, and pay more attention to venerable groups,” it stated.

IHSAN also stressed the need for governments “to strengthen health policies and demonstrate the much-needed political will to build sustainable frameworks in the health sector”.

In his keynote address, FETHI Chief Medical Director, Prof. Adekunle Ajayi, emphasized the urgent need to rethink and revamp hospital administration strategies. He highlighted the challenges posed by rapid technological advancements, escalating healthcare costs, financial constraints, and the ongoing shortage of healthcare professionals. Ajayi called for innovative approaches to hospital management, focusing on efficiency, digital integration, and patient-centered care to ensure long-term sustainability in the healthcare sector.

Ajayi charged the health service administrators with efficiency, saying, “Operational efficiency is the foundation of a sustainable hospital system. Inefficiencies can lead to wasted resources, increased costs, and suboptimal patient outcomes”.

The CMD who suggested embracing technology said, “The adoption of AI, data analytics, and automation can optimize workflows, reduce administrative burdens, and improve decision-making. For example, predictive analytics can help manage patient flow, prevent overcrowding, and reduce wait times”.

“Implementing electronic health records will streamline patient data management, reduce paperwork, and improve communication. Automating staff and patient scheduling will reduce errors and improve resource allocation while expanding telemedicine services will improve access to care and reduce in-person visits”.

In her address, IHSAN 2025 Local Organising Committee Chairman and FETHI Director of Administration, Mrs. Foluso Adelegan noted, “What can we do as health savvies to develop best practices in hospital administration in an era where depletion of health personnel arises daily to JAPA syndrome and other cancerous parasites that have eaten deep into the system?”

Adelegan noted that the solutions to the challenges facing the healthcare sector were thoroughly addressed in the qualitative papers presented at the workshop. She praised the resource persons, describing them as seasoned professional administrators with extensive experience in hospital management and administrative processes.