The Healthcare Federation of Nigeria (HFN), under the leadership of Dr. Pamela Ajayi, held its 2023 Annual Conference & General Meeting on the 3rd and 4th of February at The Harbour Point, Wilmot Point Road, Victoria Island, Lagos. This event themed; “Building the Healthcare of our Future”, featured healthcare professionals, health financing experts with other
The Healthcare Federation of Nigeria (HFN), under the leadership of Dr. Pamela Ajayi, held its 2023 Annual Conference & General Meeting on the 3rd and 4th of February at The Harbour Point, Wilmot Point Road, Victoria Island, Lagos.
This event themed; “Building the Healthcare of our Future”, featured healthcare professionals, health financing experts with other key players and stakeholders in the industry, who proffered various solutions to current challenges in the Nigerian healthcare sector.
Also, during the conference, the organisation launched its Women’s Forum with some of the most influential women in the current Nigerian health space in attendance. This part of the event was moderated by the first female NMA Lagos Secretary General – Dr. Ime Okon, and the keynote speech on “The Power of Networking” delivered by Mrs. Towun Candide-Johnson – Founder, GAIA Africa, and special guest speaker for the evening.
The HFN Women’s Forum was initiated to cater to the peculiar needs of women in the health care sector. According to Dr Pamela Ajayi, “As women, only we can understand our struggles in our work environment and beyond… Hence, this program is created for Women, by Women, to address our challenges and ensure we excel at all fronts”. Unlike other platforms for specific cadres in the healthcare industry, this forum accommodates “every woman in healthcare”. Whether she is in the clinical field as a doctor, nurse, physiotherapist, radiographer, pharmacist, medical laboratory scientist and so on; or she is a non-clinical medical or healthcare worker in hospital administration, health management, health tech, health insurance and the likes.
In the keynote address, Mrs. Towun emphasized that “Networking is not merely about attending a group of events, or making numerous superficial connections that would boost one’s career. Rather, it’s about deliberately creating a well of mutually beneficial relationships with individuals who do not depend on you“. She further highlighted that, “Networks connect you to others. Networks can amplify your influence by connecting you to individuals who have your interest and can help you succeed in a leadership role… Networking is a skill that can be learned and practiced. Your network should be a collection of individuals that offer you diversity”.
After this, was a power-packed panel session moderated by Dr. Alero Ann-Roberts with phenomenal panellists including Prof. Folashade Ogunsola – first female Vice Chancellor, UNILAG; Dr. Modupe Elebute-Odunsi – Founder, Marcelle Ruth Cancer Centre; Mrs. Clare Omatseye – Founder, JNC International and VP, West Africa Healthcare Federation; Dr. Pamela Ajayi – Founder, SYNLAB Nigeria and Chairperson, HFN; and Dr. Dawodu Olayemi – Consultant Pathologist and Career Mentor.
During this plenary discussion, each of the panellists shared their success stories and the principles that guided them. Some of the nuggets shared are:
“You’ll be afraid, you’ll be scared but just try it anyway. Do it scared, do it terrified!” – Prof. Folashade Ogunsola
“Be your authentic self. Discover your person and nurture her. Follow your passion. Be a creative thinker. You need mentors. Find People that will help you in your journey” – Mrs. Clare Omatseye
Key questions to consistently ask ourselves and answer as well are: What is the quality of your conversations like? Who are the people you surround yourself with? What motivates you? What is success for you? And how do you attain this success?
Also, to benefit attendees at the conference, Prof. Folashade Ogunsola recommended a book titled, “The Confidence Code”. On the other hand, Dr. Modupe Elebute-Odunsi recommended the book, “The Outliers”, and she also admonished attendees to do what they’re most passionate about and work hard at it. In Mrs Clare’s words, “Make sure you love what you do and follow your passion. It may not be medicine you end up doing, but ensure you love whatever it is that you do”.
Editor’s note:
This report was majorly contributed by Durodola Ayomide and Deborah Ojo, with photo credit to the Healthcare Providers Association of Nigeria (HCPAN) Assembly on NHIA.
Published by the IMJC team — telling the medical stories that mainstream media miss, without bias, prejudice or favour.
