Editor - LOYAMP
Belek–Antalya, Turkey – Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening digital transformation in the health sector as the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, delivered a compelling keynote address at the HIMSS Eurasia HealthTech Conference & Exhibition held on November 26, 2025 at the Susesi Luxury Resort in Belek–Antalya, Turkey.
Speaking on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Salako commended the Turkish Ministry of Health and the conference organizers for convening leading experts, innovators and global health partners to advance conversations on the future of health technology.
He highlighted the growing significance of digital innovation in modern healthcare, noting that artificial intelligence, robotics, genomics, smart hospitals and other advanced technologies are rapidly reshaping global health systems.
“These themes strongly align with Nigeria’s healthcare strategic priorities as captured in the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative,” he said.
Dr. Salako emphasized that digital transformation has become imperative in addressing challenges in population growth, changing disease patterns and increasing demand for quality, patient-centered healthcare. He also reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to building a resilient and technology-driven health sector under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, anchored on improved governance, quality service delivery, efficient health value chains and enhanced health security.
He listed ongoing investments in Nigeria’s health information system modernization, including the development of the National Digital Health Architecture (NDHA) under the Nigeria Digital in Health Initiative (NDHI) to reduce fragmentation and improve integration across public and private health institutions.
Other priority areas include a Health Information Exchange with shared medical records, national health registries, healthcare workforce information systems, stronger data governance, and expanded collaboration with tech innovators and private sector partners.
“These digital highways will provide a single source of truth and help establish clear, sustainable rules within the ecosystem,” the Minister said.
Describing HIMSS Eurasia as more than a conference, Dr. Salako called it a platform for accelerating international cooperation, innovation exchange and sustained global partnerships. He also welcomed the strong presence of African countries at the event, saying it reflected the continent’s determination to leapfrog conventional healthcare solutions through digital technology.
While acknowledging the transformative impact of AI and emerging technologies, he stressed the need for equity, affordability and protection of national data sovereignty, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
“Technology must serve people. Digital tools must close gaps, not widen them,” he warned.
The Minister further urged international stakeholders and policy leaders to intensify collaboration in using digital tools to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal for universal access to quality healthcare.
He thanked the organizers on Nigeria’s behalf and wished participants a successful and productive conference.l
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