As the three-day World Health Expo wrapped up in Lagos, stakeholders called on the Nigerian government to build on the event’s achievements by boosting local manufacturing of healthcare equipment.
The three-day World Health Expo, held in Lagos, concluded with a resounding call for the Nigerian government to capitalise on the event’s successes by strengthening domestic production of healthcare equipment.
Former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke, alongside Cyril Okoroigwe, CEO of Regtech Africa, emphasised that local manufacturing could significantly enhance access to affordable healthcare for millions of Nigerians.
“There is an urgent need for infrastructural development and a reliable power supply to attract foreign manufacturers and stimulate local production,” they stated.
A Showcase of Innovation and Collaboration
The event attracted over 10,000 participants, including healthcare professionals, policymakers, international development partners, and private sector representatives.
Themed around technological advancement, disease prevention, and strengthening primary healthcare, the Xpo showcased Nigeria’s potential to leverage innovation in transforming its healthcare landscape.
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Notable presentations featured successful implementations of telemedicine, digital health records, and AI-powered diagnostic tools, underlining the country’s growing capacity to integrate technology into healthcare delivery.
Praise for Organisation and Growing Global Interest
Andrew Alaefule, Country General Manager of DCL Laboratory Products Ltd, and Clare Omatseye, MD/CEO of JNC International Ltd, commended the organisers for a well-executed event, noting a marked increase in foreign participation and visibility compared to previous editions.
“There are more foreign participants and much greater publicity than we used to have. This is quite commendable,” they noted.
Exhibitors from across the globe expressed excitement about the strong networking opportunities and robust sales volume, describing Nigeria as a promising destination for healthcare investments.
International Exhibitors Weigh In
Among the international delegates who shared positive experiences were:
- Nathan Huang, Guangzhou Mecan
- Dr Gerard Nkengurutse, Mindray
- Rahul Paswan, RMS India
- Daniella Egbe, Afri Medical
- Olusina Adelakun, PPC Nigeria Ltd
- Kris Xu, and many others.
Their presence highlighted Nigeria’s growing appeal in the global healthcare market.
Addressing Persistent Challenges
While celebrating the progress made, the Xpo also acknowledged ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s healthcare system, including:
- Inadequate funding
- Infrastructure gaps
- Need for improved training and capacity building among healthcare workers
Stakeholders agreed that addressing these issues is critical to the sustainability of innovations introduced at the exhibition.
Commitment to Action
The event ended with a commitment from key stakeholders to collaborate in implementing the ideas and strategies discussed, aimed at transforming Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
The Xpo also featured expert lectures, interactive workshops, and panel discussions with world-renowned health leaders, offering a platform for sharing best practices and forging new partnerships.