Preparation Needs to be made Towards Next Pandemic, Global Leaders Advised

By: Michael Mike

Preparation has been asked to be made towards the next pandemic so that the world in not caught pant down like what happening during the COVID-19 pandemic that locked out the globe.

Speaking during a conference, organized by the Global Healthcare Travel Council (GHTC) which brought together representatives from 56 countries and held in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), the Founding Chairman of the Global Healthcare Travel Council, Emin Çakmak, said: “The world must be ready for future pandemics through rapid healthcare reforms, investments in facilities and human resources to serve not just local populations but also international patients during crises,”

Çakmak, was in a press statement issued on Tuesday by the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, DoctorCare247, Nigeria’s leading telehealth company, Chuks Melville Chibundu, to have explained the growth of the Turkish medical tourism industry and its commitment to providing high-quality healthcare services to international patients.

He said: “In the last 20 years, Turkey has invested over $50 billion in new hospitals and latest technologies. We have over 15,000 doctors who graduated from Western and Turkish medical universities and now serve patients in world-class Turkish hospitals.”

“We are fortunate in logistics as Turkish Airlines connects Turkey with over 350 international destinations through direct flights, facilitating medical travel.”

Çakmak added that due to “world-class medical services, hospitality infrastructure, geographic convenience and natural beauty, Turkey has become a preferred global healthcare destination across medical treatment, wellness, spa, thermalism, sports medicine, retirement and accessible tourism segments.”

He credited Turkey’s resilient pandemic response for its continued growth in medical tourism, noting that: “During COVID-19, we suffered fewer losses than other nations due to timely safety protocols. After a 4-month pause, we reopened borders for international patients as we had ample hospital infrastructure and personnel to serve both Turkish citizens and global medical travelers.”

He however warned that “the world must be ready for future pandemics through rapid healthcare reforms, investments in facilities and human resources to serve not just local populations but also international patients during crises.”

DoctorCare247, Nigeria’s leading telehealth company and the Nigerian network partner of the Turkish Healthcare Travel Council (THTC), participated in the 6th Global Healthcare Travel Forum (GHTF) conference.

DoctorCare247 was represented at the conference by its MD/CEO, Chuks Melville Chibundu, and other staff members.

In his remarks at the end of the conference, Chibundu highlighted the meeting’s key takeaways and how the company will leverage them to further its mission of providing Nigerians with affordable access to world-class healthcare.

The theme of the 6th GHTF conference was “Innovation and Cooperation in Global Health Tourism.” Chibundu said DoctorCare247 is committed to exploring partnerships with the THTC to bring innovative healthcare technologies to Nigerians seeking medical care abroad.

“Our partnership with the THTC is a cornerstone of our mission to provide Nigerians with affordable access to world-class healthcare,” Chibundu said. “Through this collaboration, we can leverage the expertise and resources of the Turkish healthcare system to offer Nigerians cutting-edge technologies and highly qualified specialists in Turkey, all at cost-effective prices.”

The conference was opened by Fikri Ataoğlu, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Culture, Youth and Environment of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Mr. Ataoğlu spoke about the TRNC’s vision for health tourism and its commitment to international cooperation in this field saying “We are working with our stakeholders with the vision of creating a brand in health tourism and strengthening our global position in this field.”

“Our country stands out in health tourism with its Mediterranean climate, natural beauties, rich history, and cultural heritage, as well as modern health services and high-quality treatment options offered both to protect, improve and regain health.”

“Our aim is to create a sought-after destination that offers accessible, high-quality and people-oriented services to every health tourist who prefers the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC),” he added.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Global Healthcare Travel Council and President of the Cyprus Healthcare Travel Council, Dr. Ahmet Savaşan said there is a rapid growth of health tourism internationally and called for more collaboration among stakeholders in the sector.

Dr. Savaşan said the conference’s timely theme of “Innovation and Cooperation in Global Health Tourism” is aimed at “producing innovative solutions to challenges in our sector, supporting sustainable development and creating a strong synergy for its future.”

Preparation Needs to be made Towards Next Pandemic, Global Leaders Advised

Borno Gov’t Bids Farewell to Departing DSS Director, Launch Book on Security

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Government held a grand ceremony on Sunday to honor M.M. Murtala, the outgoing State Director of Security (SDS) for the Department of State Services (DSS).

The ceremony, which took place at the Multipurpose hall of the Government House, Maiduguri has in attendance the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum.

Governor Zulum led the tributes, which acknowledged Murtala’s dedication and contributions to the state’s security.

Others at the occasion included a distinguished personalities including the Deputy National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori, Senator Borno Central, Barrister Kaka Shehu Lawan, and the Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, House Representatives Members, state government officials, APC Party official, traditional rulers, and religious leaders, Among others.

In addition to the sendoff, a book titled “Internal Security In The Face Of Terror In Nigeria/The Role Of Civilian JTF In Borno State” was launched.

Murtala, the departing SDS, authored the book, which details his experiences and insights on the Civilian Joint Task Force’s (CJTF) role in combating terrorism in Borno State.

The book’s launch provided a platform for Murtala to share his knowledge and perspectives on this crucial aspect of state security.

It is expected to be a valuable resource for understanding Borno’s security situation and the CJTF’s role in supporting security agencies.

Borno Gov’t Bids Farewell to Departing DSS Director, Launch Book on Security

Ukrainian Company Set to Invest in Nigerian Energy Sector

By: Michael Mike

A Ukrainian company, EDS, has started the move to invest in Nigerian energy sector.

The Director of the company, Zapyshynyi Olexandr, addressing a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, said the company was already mapping out strategies on how to go about the project.

Olexandr while noting that the project will combine solar, wind and hydro energies, said it will begin in the FCT and Lagos before cascading to other states.

He said: “We are looking at mini-grids because we realised that that is where the energy problem is in Nigeria.”

He revealed that: “How successful the first project is will determine how much investment we will bring in.”

He said Nigeria should expect more investments from Ukraine, for the country is moving towards investing in Africa.

Olexandr said the President of Ukraine has given the go ahead for Ukrainian companies to invest in Africa.

Also speaking at the press conference, President of the Ukraine-Nigeria Business Council, Ben Gbade Ojo, said: “Today, we are pleased to present to Nigerians the EDS Ukraine Power and Engineering, a Ukrainian company that has all it takes to turn around the electric power fortunes of Nigeria and help transform Nigeria into a power-efficient nation.

“We welcome the EDS to Nigeria and urge all Nigerians to take advantage of their immense capabilities for sustainable power sector efficiency in Nigeria.”

He said the prime objective of this press conference was to avail the government and Nigerians of the vast opportunities available for the sustainable development and maximal performance of Nigeria’s troubled electric power sector, through a partnership with the people of the Republic of Ukraine.

The Electricity Act of 2023, signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari in March 2023, and the Amended Act, signed into law this year by President Bola Tinubu permit private participation across all levels of the electricity supply chain, provided such private entities obtain the appropriate licence (s).

Based on the amendment, Nigerians can now participate in the electricity supply business, which was previously the exclusive preserve of the federal government, as administered by the sector regulator, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission. (NERC).

With the constitution amended, and the National Assembly having passed a law for the electricity sector in line with the amendment and having become an Act, the states will now proceed to establish their power sector laws and regulations.

The 2023 Electricity Act, by virtue, allows anyone to construct, own, or operate a business for generating electricity exceeding one megawatt in aggregate at a site.

Ojo also said the Ukrainian-Nigerian Business Council had fully mobilised to help the federal and state governments and all-electric power sector players and stakeholders benefit maximally from this revolutionary Electricity Power Act.

Ukrainian Company Set to Invest in Nigerian Energy Sector