Being a draft speech by His Excellency, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, Chairman of the occasion of an international Summit on Islamic Finance: Exploring New Sources of Financing for Primary Healthcare Transformation in Nigeria, held at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja, Federal Republic of Nigeria on the Thursday, 30th November, 2023.
Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem,
LADIES and gentlemen, Distinguished guests, It is a great honor to stand before you today as we gather for this momentous Summit on Islamic Finance, to explore new sources of financing for primary healthcare transformation in Nigeria.
I stand before you as the Chairman of this occasion, filled with a profound sense of responsibility and excitement. Today, we embark on a journey to reshape the future of healthcare in our nation by harnessing the power of Islamic finance, and integrating the transformative role of digital health technology. In today’s rapidly evolving world, advancements in digital health technology present us with unprecedented opportunities to revolutionize healthcare delivery.
By leveraging the potential of technology, we can overcome the challenges faced by our healthcare system and bring vital healthcare services closer to every Nigerian.
Digital health technology has the power to bridge geographical barriers, improve access to care, and enhance the quality of healthcare services. Through telemedicine, for example, we can connect patients in rural areas with specialized healthcare professionals irrespective of distance. This enables us to expand the reach of primary healthcare and ensure that no one is left behind.
Furthermore, the integration of electronic health records and data analytics can greatly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare delivery. By digitizing healthcare records, we can ensure seamless access to patient information, leading to more accurate diagnoses, better treatment plans, and improved patient outcomes. Additionally, data analytics can provide valuable insights that enable evidence-based decision-making, leading to more targeted and impactful healthcare interventions.
Islamic finance, with its principles of fairness and social responsibility, can play a pivotal role in supporting the adoption and implementation of digital health technology. The financing mechanisms offered by Islamic finance can propel the development and deployment of innovative digital health solutions, ensuring that technology reaches even the most underserved communities.
Today’s summit provides us with a unique platform to explore how Islamic finance and digital health technology can intersect and drive our primary healthcare transformation agenda. It is an opportunity for us to collaborate, share best practices, and forge partnerships that will help us harness the potential of technology in achieving our healthcare goals.
I therefore, urge all of you to embrace the transformative power of digital health technology and explore how it can be integrated into our healthcare system. Let us leverage the principles of Islamic finance to create financing models that support the adoption, implementation, and scaling up of digital health solutions across Nigeria.
In conclusion, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the speakers, organizers, and participants who have made this summit possible. Your dedication to this cause is inspiring, and I have no doubt that together, we will create a roadmap for change that will resonate far beyond the borders of Nigeria.
As we delve into the discussions and debates over the next few hours, let us embrace creativity, collaboration, and compassion. Together, we will unlock new sources of financing that will empower communities, bridge gaps in healthcare accessibility, and transform the lives of millions. I encourage all participants to actively engage, share your expertise, and propose groundbreaking ideas.
Let us think outside the box, challenge conventional wisdom, and envision a future where quality healthcare is a reality for all Nigerians, regardless of their socio-economic status. Throughout this summit, we will not only explore the practical aspects of Islamic finance but also delve deeper into the inherent values it embodies.
Thank you, and let us begin this remarkable journey towards a healthier and more prosperous future, fueled by the transformative power of Islamic finance and digital health technology.
Shekarau is former Kano governor, Former Minister of Education and former Senator representing Kano Central.