By Ismaeel Aleem
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo called for a paradigm shift in Nigeria’s healthcare approach, stressing that access to quality medical services is a fundamental right for all citizens, not a favour for the poor or a luxury for the elite.
Speaking at the launch of the Care365 Health Hub in Abuja yesterday, Obasanjo decried the persistent challenges in the sector, where millions trek long distances to reach facilities and many still die from preventable diseases.
“It is no longer acceptable that in the age of artificial intelligence and space tourism, a Nigerian child should die of malaria because her mother couldn’t afford to travel to the nearest health facility,” Obasanjo said.
READ ALSO: Obasanjo: No Nigerian child should die of malaria in the age of AI
He emphasised that ensuring accessible healthcare is a shared responsibility for leaders, policymakers, and the elite, urging a move away from treating it as a privilege.
The Care365 Health Hub, unveiled at the event, seeks to revolutionise healthcare access through digital innovation. Its founder, Odumuku, said the initiative aims to guarantee every Nigerian access to quality healthcare by addressing systemic gaps in service delivery.
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, described the hub as a practical solution to bridging healthcare disparities, aligned with the government’s commitment to improving access nationwide.
Obasanjo, joined by former President Goodluck Jonathan and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, praised Care365’s digital-first approach, which leverages technology to connect patients to healthcare services efficiently.
The hub is expected to enhance access, particularly for underserved communities, by streamlining consultations, diagnostics, and treatment options.
The launch underscored the urgent need for innovative responses to Nigeria’s healthcare crisis.
READ ALSO: Obasanjo urges govt to retain Nigerian doctors with better incentives
Obasanjo’s remarks echoed a broader call for systemic reform, urging stakeholders to prioritise equitable access to medical care.
With initiatives like Care365, Nigeria is taking steps towards a future where healthcare is recognised as a right, not a privilege, ensuring no citizen is left behind because of geography or income.
