Healthcare industry stakeholders have underlined the necessity of providing more funding for research aimed at improving human health.
The specialists in this sector have pointed out that study is essential to enhancing human health, from discovering new drugs and therapies to comprehending the origins of illnesses.
The industry experts made this request at the send-off party for Prof. Babatunde Salako, the departing Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, which took place at the NIMR center in Yaba, Lagos State, on Tuesday.
The government was asked to enhance financing for research, improve infrastructure, and establish a conducive climate for researchers to flourish by the stakeholders, who included physicians and researchers.Al
The stakeholders decried that research in the health sector is being hindered by inadequate funding, poor infrastructure and lack of assistance from the government.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof Akin Abayomi, made emphasis on the importance of research in advancing human health and development.
Abayomi stated that research is significant for the development of any modern and civilized country, the commissioner emphasized on the necessity of an environment that accommodates research activities, one that has resources, facilities, and qualified staff.
He mentioned that in order for research to provide significant findings, funding is necessary, nonetheless, he expressed gratitude to Prof. Salako for his eight years of selfless work as NIMR’s Director-General.
He commended Salako for elevating NIMR to a high caliber of inquiry and creativity, the commissioner urged NIMR to keep up the good job and pursue research excellence.
“We are just beginning to see, understand and realise the importance of research in the field of science. And for us here at the National Institute of Medical Research, we have just witnessed the send forth of the Director General, Professor Salako, who has been here for eight years. And he has really advanced this centre to the highest level of research and innovation.
“Every modern and civilized country has a very strong research and development agenda. And we are just beginning to understand that here. With leaders like Professor Salako, people in policy-making positions, and people in government have seen the fruit of research, innovation, and development.
“You see, that’s why they call it research and development. Because without the research, your community cannot develop. And so the government has to realise that they need to put resources into research so that the fruit of research can result in development.”
Professor Alani Akanmu of the University of Lagos College of Medicine, who specializes in hematology and transfusion medicine, also emphasized the importance of government funding for research, citing the accomplishments of nations such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands that have benefitting from well-funded biomedical research.
According to Akamu, in order to draw in research grants, a research center such as NIMR must have a good research environment, which includes a biobank, well-equipped laboratories, and skilled workers.
The don stressed the importance of research in enhancing human health and development, noting that research has led to numerous notable discoveries and breakthroughs in the biomedical area.
According to the consultant haematologist, training is necessary for researchers to carry out ethical research.
He also stated that, researchers must conduct their work with integrity and be conscious of the ethical ramifications of their findings.
In order to help policy makers to make decisions, the professor emphasized the value of collaboration between medical researchers and decision-makers, emphasizing that researchers must effectively convey their findings to policymakers.
Reflecting on his eight years as NIMR DG, Salako said one of the great triumphs of his administration was fostering a conducive research environment that allowed researchers to thrive.
He credited this to the creative strategy of bringing researchers and universities together, which allows them to mentor, teach, and advance in their academic careers.
This strategy, the don said, brought respect and prominence to the researchers, bolstered their confidence, and ultimately transformed the university.
He stated that improving human capability was crucial to attracting finances, securing grants, and undertaking new research that made NIMR an internationally recognized and domestically competitive university.
Salako said he was appreciative of the kind words he had gotten and that they had inspired him to do more.
The departing DG emphasized the value of cooperation and partnership in research, he emphasized that in order for health research in Nigeria to advance, funding was essential.
Citing several benefits, he reiterated the necessity of a funding the body for health research.
Other dignitaries who were present at the ceremony are, The Olota of Ota, Prof. Adeyemi Obalanlege, the former governor of Lagos State and chairman of the NIMR Foundation, Prof. Isaac Adewole, the former minister of health, the chief medical directors of Teaching Hospitals, and the deputy governor of Ogun State, Noimot Salako-Oyedele.
