By Peter Oyedele, Abuja

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has commended Everight Diagnostics and Laboratory Services for its 20 years of contribution to Nigeria’s healthcare sector, describing the organisation as a model of private-sector-led nation-building.

Akume gave the commendation in Abuja during the 20th anniversary celebration of Everight Diagnostics, noting that his remarks would also be conveyed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He said the milestone went beyond longevity, stressing that sustaining operations in the healthcare sector reflects vision, resilience and commitment to national development.

“Twenty years in the life of a nation and an organisation is significant, particularly when that organisation serves humanity by saving lives,” Akume said, adding that nation-building is a shared responsibility between government and the private sector.

The SGF highlighted Everight Diagnostics’ role in strengthening Nigeria’s diagnostic capacity, recalling its contribution during the COVID-19 pandemic when it was among the first private laboratories approved by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) for testing.

He noted that innovation, technology and skilled manpower would shape the future of healthcare delivery, urging institutions to invest in human capital and robust organisational systems, especially amid increasing global competition for healthcare professionals.

Akume also commended the launch of a book by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Everight Diagnostics, Dr. Everight Okpara, titled Managing Employee Retention and Turnover in Nigeria, describing it as timely in view of challenges related to talent retention and brain drain.

He further praised the Everight Healthcare Foundation and its Diagnostics for All initiative, noting that it aligns with the Federal Government’s inclusive development agenda by providing free and subsidised diagnostic services to underserved communities.

Akume reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to policies that promote local capacity, job creation and access to quality healthcare, urging private sector players to continue investing in institutions that deliver long-term national value.

While the SGF focused on the role of private institutions in strengthening healthcare delivery, Okpara used the occasion to canvass support for the establishment of a Bank of Health to address financing challenges in the sector.

Akume acknowledged the proposal, disclosing that it would be formally communicated to President Tinubu for consideration as part of broader efforts to strengthen the health sector.

Okpara said the lack of affordable, long-term financing has forced healthcare providers to outsource specialised diagnostic services abroad, worsening medical tourism and capital flight.

According to him, Nigeria loses billions of dollars annually to offshore medical care and diagnostics. He disclosed that Everight Diagnostics alone spent over $1 million in the past year outsourcing advanced genetic tests that could be conducted locally with adequate infrastructure.

“If Nigeria can have a Bank of Industry and a Bank of Agriculture, then it can also have a Bank of Health,” Okpara said, adding that such an institution would provide single-digit interest financing for hospitals and diagnostic facilities, reduce dependence on foreign healthcare systems and help retain skilled professionals.

On human capacity development, Okpara said Everight Diagnostics, which began operations in 2005 from a three-bedroom apartment in Lagos, now operates branches in Lagos, Abuja and Imo State, employing about 650 staff.

He added that over 18,000 young medical professionals, including laboratory scientists, radiographers and postgraduate researchers, have been trained by the organisation over the years.