Akume Praises Everight, Supports Bank Of Health Proposal

The secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has commended Everight Diagnostics and Laboratory Services for its two decades of contributions to Nigeria’s healthcare sector, while backing a proposal for the establishment of a dedicated Bank of Health to strengthen healthcare financing.

Akume spoke on Wednesday in Abuja at the 20th anniversary celebration of Everight Diagnostics, an address he said would be conveyed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He described Everight Diagnostics as a shining example of how private-sector institutions can drive nation-building through purpose, innovation and sustained commitment, noting that the organisation’s journey underscores the shared responsibility of government and private citizens in national development.

According to the SGF, Everight’s growth over the past 20 years reflects the power of vision and resilience, particularly in a sector as critical as healthcare, where access to quality diagnostic services directly impacts national productivity and well-being.

Akume noted that Everight Diagnostics has helped reduce medical tourism by building confidence in Nigeria’s local diagnostic capacity, adding that the organisation played a significant role during the COVID-19 pandemic by providing critical testing services that supported the country’s public health response.

He also welcomed the launch of a book titled, “Managing Employee Retention and Turnover in Nigeria”, describing it as a timely intervention for organisations grappling with workforce instability and global competition for skilled talent.

The SGF further praised the unveiling of the Everight Healthcare Foundation, saying the initiative reflects a commitment to inclusive development by extending diagnostic services to underserved and vulnerable Nigerians.

Commenting on the proposal for a Bank of Health, Akume described it as a “worthy idea” that could address long-standing financing challenges in the healthcare sector.

He said the proposal would be formally presented to President Tinubu for consideration.

Earlier, the chairman and chief executive officer of Everight Diagnostics and founder/trustee of the Everight Healthcare Foundation, Dr Everight Okpara, said the organisation began operations in 2005 from a modest apartment in Lagos, driven by the belief that every Nigerian deserves access to accurate and timely diagnostic care.

Okpara said Everight has since expanded to multiple locations across Lagos, Abuja and Imo State, employing about 650 staff, and has achieved key milestones, including ISO 15189 accreditation and approval by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) for COVID-19 testing.