The much anticipated healthcare breakfast session by Stanbic IBTC Bank Limited, a subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC was held yesterday, Wednesday February 22nd, 2024 as earlier announced by the financial institution. The event took place at the popular Wheatbaker Hotel situated in Ikoyi, Lagos State, Nigeria.
The event which was well attended despite the morning rainfall, saw in attendance top players in the Nigeria healthcare sector. Amongst them are Mrs. Clare Omatseye, Founder and Managing Director, JNC International Limited; Mrs. Fola Laoye, CEO, Iwosan Investments Limited; Mr. Charles Ogunwuyi, CEO, Sygen Pharmaceuticals Limited; Dr. Abayomi Sule, Founder and Managing Director, Tillit MSME Microservices; Nigeria, Pham. (Mrs.) Mary Ogangwu, COO, Codix Pharma Limited.
The event was also attended by other stakeholders in the healthcare industry, including members and Executives of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc.
The event officially kicked off with the opening remark by the Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, Demola Shogunle.
He said; “You all are welcome to Stanbic IBTC Bank’s inaugural healthcare breakfast session. Your presence, either in person or virtually, is deeply appreciated. Today, we gather to connect innovators, disruptors, and change-makers that are shaping Nigeria’s healthcare landscape.”
“The topic of discourse, “The Business of Healthcare: Challenges and Opportunities, “reflects our shared goal of progress through strategic partnerships. We aspire to shed light on how tailored solutions can further support your ambitious endeavors.”
“In the spirit of driving Nigeria’s growth, Stanbic IBTC Bank has continued to avail credit to healthcare entities, thereby supporting hospitals, pharmaceutical firms, HMOs, and diagnostics centers nationwide. We are very passionate about wellness in the communities we serve, and we throw our weight behind the health sector in Nigeria.”
“To healthcare providers here today, I implore you to explore our tailored offerings that are designed to fuel your aspirations. We are confident that technology and financing innovation can improve healthcare access, even in the face of macro challenges. We are committed to supporting your visions.”
“Together, let us advance Nigeria’s journey to universal health coverage, improve standards of living, as well as reduce outbound expenditures that arise from medical tourism, as we unearth opportunities for collaboration and strengthen the healthcare value chain for sustainable progress.”
“Let’s begin this transformative journey. Thank you for your presence and participation.”
However, Mrs. Clare Omatseye, who was a Keynote Speaker, noted that strategic partnership is catalysts for transforming Nigeria’s healthcare sector. In her presentation, she outlined the overview of the current state of of the Nigerian health sector, the critical need for strategic partnership and healthcare transformation, potential impact of strategic partnerships as catalysts for healthcare reform, and challenges and opportunities.
On the critical need for strategic partnership and transformation, Omatseye, highlighted that collaboration is a fundamental element for the transformation of any sector, including the healthcare. She noted that strategic partnerships have become the cornerstone for the development of healthcare in Nigeria. She said private sector partnership have been built over the years and we can recognize the importance of the partnerships in resolving key health issues ranging from communicable diseases to non-communicable and further pandemic as with Covid-19.
Omatseye said there are other key stakeholders in the healthcare system that we may need to consider which include the banking industry, the pharmaceutical industry, alliance of other private sector players interested in the development of healthcare, technical and financial donors and so on and so forth.
On the other hand, Mrs. Fola Laoye, CEO, Iwosan Investments Limited, a healthcare investor and business leader, spoke on the key factors investors consider when evaluating healthcare startups or businesses for funding? and how healthcare entrepreneurs effectively pitch their businesses to secure investment and funding.
She also gave advice to healthcare businesses on how they can manage financial risks and achieve sustainable growth, and also attract long-term investment.
Mr. Charles Ogunwuyi, CEO, Sygen Pharmaceuticals Limited, addressed the challenges pharmaceutical manufacturers are facing in Nigeria. He also highlighted how pharmaceutical companies can collaborate with healthcare providers and businesses to improve accessibility and affordability of essential medicines.
The Founder and Managing Director of Tillit MSME Microservices, Nigeria, Dr. Abayomi Sule stated that healthcare businesses can leverage on technology to improve operational efficiency, patient engagement, and remote healthcare delivery.
Dr. Abayomi noted that cost, infrastructure and skilled personnel should be considered by healthcare entrepreneurs when adopting new technologies.
Pham. (Mrs.) Mary Ogangwu, COO, Codix Pharma Limited, tackled some of the questions on what Nigeria’s best practices for effective pharmaceutical supply chain management and distribution and ways healthcare businesses can ensure the quality and safety of pharmaceutical
products throughout the supply chain?
The Head, Enterprise Bank in Stanbic IBTC Bank, Olajumoke Bello, gave the closing remark by thanking everyone that attended the event, particularly the speakers and the panelists. He also recognised the efforts of all the different stakeholders in the healthcare sector in Nigeria.
She said for Stanbic IBTC Bank the event is to create a platform to network, engage and to showcase to its clients and prospective clients that Stanbic IBTC is ready to partner and grow with them in their respective businesses in terms of healthcare sector development.
She said that is why the bank has put in place the inaugural session, she promised that the session is not going to be the last. According to her; “for us it is very key that we demonstrate that we have a reliable partner for you and where you do need us to come in, please reach out to us at sectorsolution@stanbicibtc.com.”
“We are committed to the growth of the healthcare sector and it is an area that we are very passionate about. Thank you very much for being part of this session with us.”
