NACC PRESIDENT’S SPEECH AT MARCH 2019 BREAKFAST MEETING IN LAGOS

Protocols
It is my great delight to welcome you all to our March 2019 Breakfast Meeting themed“Improving Quality Outcomes through Health Information”.
This topic is significant inmany ways; it is becoming increasingly clear that the traditional way of solving health
problems is becoming dated so there is the need for quality investment in information technology in the health care sector to improve healthcare delivery. Effective use of communication and technology by health care and public health professionals can bring about an age of patient- and public-centered health informationand services in Nigeria. By strategically incorporating ICT tools into health care deliverythere is the potential to: improve health care quality and safety, increase the efficiency ofhealth care and public health service delivery, improve the public health information infrastructure, support care in the community and at home, facilitate clinical and consumer decision-making and build health skills and knowledge. Lack of adequate funding has deepened the crisis in health-care delivery in developingcountries, particularly Nigeria. But I do believe access to proven and powerful information and communication technologies can improve health indicators. With the significant growth in Internet access in urban areas; health-care workers can adopt itsusage for communication, access to relevant health-care information, and international collaboration. ICT can improve the quality of care patients receive by averting medical errors, improving communication and boosting efficiency.
To generate substantial and ongoing improvements in healthcare, the adoption of information technology is paramount and will lead to a more robust healthcare system. This morning, we are privilege to have the Keynote Speaker in the person of Dr Francis Adedayo Faduyile, a distinguished associate Professor, honorary consultant at LagosState University College of Medicine/Teaching Hospital and currently the National President of the Nigerian Medical Association. We also have a panel made up of other seasoned professionals who will bring their various perspectives to the discussions ofthis morning. We are gratified to have them with us. We are also today inaugurating the Chamber’s Heathcare Sector Group chaired by Dr.Ladi Awosika. The idea behind having sector focused groups is to provide a platform for engagement for member companies within the same industry allowing for connected and vibrant networks encouraged to work in collaboration, undertake sector focused advocacy and grow together with support from the Secretariat.
Finally, I will like to specially thank our sponsors for this event; Flying Doctors Nigeriaand Zenith Carex Limited and also encourage other member companies to consider sponsoring some of these knowledge sharing sessions which also provide ample opportunity for advocacy, networking and business linkages.Once again, I cordially welcome you all and thank you for your attention.