Diagnostics: Foundation Of Modern Health Care, Holds Strategic Place in Renewed Hope Health Reforms- Says Salako

By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters

The Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr, Iziaq Adekunle Salako has described diagonistics as the foundation of modern health care, noting that strengthening diagnostic capacity is therefore not merely a technical requirement, but a strategic investment in the efficiency, credibility, and performance of entire health system.

Dr. Salako according to a press release e-signed by the ministry’s Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations, Ado Bako made the remarks in his key note address at the 2026 National Summit on Diagonistics with the Theme“Strengthening Partnerships and Local Content for Integrated Diagnostics,” held in Abuja

He noted that accurate and timely diagnosis is essential for disease prevention, early detection, effective treatment, and continuous patient monitoring, reaffirming that globally, a significant proportion of clinical decisions depend on diagnostic results.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Daju Kachollom S. mni, the Minister highlighted that the theme of this year’s event captures the urgency and importance of transforming Nigeria’s diagnostic landscape into one that is resilient, sustainable, and capable of delivering improved health outcomes for every Nigerian.

“A well‑integrated and coordinated diagnostic system is indispensable for quality healthcare delivery. Whether in a primary healthcare centre in a rural community or a tertiary hospital in a major city, access to reliable diagnostic services empowers healthcare providers to make informed decisions that improve patient outcomes and ensure optimal use of resources.”he restated.

Elaborating further, he said the Ministry recognizes that strengthening diagnostics requires more than infrastructure, but also strong governance, effective partnerships, a skilled workforce, functional laboratory networks, robust regulatory oversight, and sustainable financing; in addition to deliberate investment in local capacity development and domestic production of diagnostic technologies.

The Health Minister explained that government is prioritizing local content development within the health sector which includes the manufacturing, distribution, and maintenance of diagnostic equipment and in vitro diagnostic products, maintaining that strengthening local innovation and production will enhance national health security, stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and position Nigeria as a regional leader in healthcare solutions.

Dr. Salako reaffirmed that Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the transformation of Nigeria’s health sector is a national priority and diagnostics hold a strategic place in the reform agenda, assuring that the the Ministry will continue to advance policies and initiatives that strengthen laboratory services nationwide citing the implementation and periodic review of the National Essential Diagnostics List, as a key example.

On the need for collaborative effort to strengthen the diagnostics ecosystem, the Minister said ‘the strength of our diagnostic ecosystem will ultimately depend on the strength of our partnerships. Government alone cannot achieve the transformation we envision. We must work hand‑in‑hand with development partners, research institutions, professional bodies, the private sector, and local innovators to drive sustainable progress.”

He announced that that the National Summit on Diagnostics will henceforth be institutionalized as an annual platform for strengthening partnerships, promoting local content, and advancing integrated diagnostic services in Nigeria, calling on all participants to engage actively and contribute practical, forward‑looking recommendations that will shape the future of diagnostics in Nigeria.

In her welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom S. mni, represented by the Director Hospital Services, Dr Adeola Adegoke mni, said diagnostics remain the backbone of clinical decision‑making and public health response, pointing out that with over 70% of medical decisions globally relying on diagnostic results, ensuring accessible, reliable, and high‑quality diagnostic services across all levels of care is essential for improving patient outcomes and safeguarding national health security.

She noted that Nigeria has made notable progress in expanding laboratory and diagnostic capacity, however, challenges ranging from infrastructure gaps and workforce shortages to supply chain constraints and inequitable access persist, addressing them,” requires stronger partnerships across government, development partners, academia, and the private sector.” Permanent Secretary stressed.

Daju Kachollom said in line with the health sector reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare remains fully committed to advancing Nigeria’s diagnostic ecosystem, adding that through strengthened laboratory networks, expanded quality assurance systems, and the implementation of the National Medical Laboratory Policy and Strategic Plan, government aims to ensure that every Nigerian has access to dependable diagnostic services.

Dr. Gidado Mustapha Executive Director, KNCV TB Foundation, Hague Netherlands, a Guest speaker at the summit, in his presentation titled “From Fragmentation to Integration: Building a Partnership-Driven Diagnostic Ecosystem for Nigeria’s Health System and Quality of Care” stressed the need for policy makers to enforce a national diagnostics integration framework and access to diagonistics services at Primary Health care facilities across the country, saying that it is critical to enhancing health care delivery and increase early disease detection.

In his vote of thank, the Director/Head Medical Laboratory Services Division, Dr. Emeka Elom expressed his deep appreciation for the continued support of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR whose Renewed Hope Agenda continues to drive transformative reforms in the health sector.

He thanked the Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and our Director Hospital Servces, for their visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s health system and the Guest Lecturer Dr. Gidado Mustapha for his insightful presentation.

The 2026 National Summit on Diagonistics was coloured with unveiling a policy document on National Guideline For The Implementation of Medical Laboratory Quality Management System and participants were drawn within and outside Nigeria.