The Provost of College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Professor Ademola Ayodele Oremosu, has stated that healthcare is not merely a sector but the backbone of national development.
Oremosu stated this in his remarks at the 63rd Founder’s Day Celebrations of College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Idi Araba, Lagos, and the 18th Horatio Oritsejolomi Thomas Memorial Lecture Series themed “Transforming Healthcare: The Role of Political Leadership”.
“We know that healthcare is not merely a sector, it is the backbone of national development, he stated, arguing that “yet the challenges we face, underfunded systems, workforce shortages, inequitable access, and fragile infrastructure, cannot be solved by clinicians alone.
Healthcare transformation, according to him, is not just a technical challenge; it is a political imperative which requires bold decisions, visionary policies, and sustained commitment from those entrusted with national leadership.
He tasks the political leadership to champion universal health coverage and equitable access, invest in medical education, research and infrastructure, create enabling environments for innovation and public-private partnerships and prioritise health in national budgets and development agendas.
He reiterated that that the College of Medicine of University of Lagos is committed to the ideals and efforts of the founding fathers of the College in its triple mandate of teaching, research and service.
“As Professor (Horatio Oritsejolomi) Thomas once said: “Medicine is not merely a science, it is a sacred trust between healer and society”, he quoted, stating that his words remind us that our mission goes beyond diagnosis and treatment but stretches to leadership, advocacy and service to humanity.
“As we reflect on our journey over the past 63 years, let us remember that the future of healthcare in Nigeria depends not only on the brilliance of our doctors and dentists, but on the courage of our leaders to prioritise health in policy, funding, and national vision’, he admonished, adding: “Let us also challenge ourselves to be not just healers, but advocates, working hand-in-hand with policymakers to shape a healthier, more just society”.
