Tunji Alausa Attends CMUL’s 61st Founder’s Day Event, Promises Digital Advancement In Healthcare

By Babawale Solomon

Eko Hot Blog reports that the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa, on Thursday, continued his three-day tour of health facilities in Lagos State, visiting the College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL), Idi-Araba, Lagos.

The visit to UNILAG’s college of medicine, his alma mater, marked the day two of his three-day tour.

The minister’s visit to the college coincided with its 61st Founder’s Day celebration, themed “Transforming Healthcare and Medical Education through Digital Innovations: From AI-Assisted Interventions to Edutech.”

Speaking at the event, Dr. Alausa committed to advancing healthcare and medical education through digital innovations.

The minister, who represented the Chief of Staff to the president, Femi Gbajabiamila, stated that since his assumption of duty, he has worked tirelessly to interrogate the health data architecture in Nigeria.

He said he was doing so with the aim of translating data into one critical aspect of health industrialisation that by implication would become a huge success of revenue generation for the country.

Dr. Alausa noted that he hoped to equally improve Nigeria’s digital health scope as a country considering the high impact it could have on the nation’s health system.

The minister, an alumnus of the institution, also took a stroll down memory lane, reminiscing about his time at the College of Medicine, UNILAG.

“Once again, I am delighted to be back at my alma mater, the CMUL, where I graduated as a medical doctor before pursuing further medical training abroad, becoming a US board certified Nephrologist. The foundation of my medical career lies in this great institution,” Dr. Alausa said.

He also shared insights into the government’s four-point agenda and the alignment of these key priorities with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s manifesto, encompassing food security, poverty eradication, economic growth, job security, and inclusive access to capital.

“The President is determined to empower every sector, from women and youth to academicians, artisans, and many more, as we collectively contribute to the nation’s economic development,” the minister said.

Concluding on a resolute note, Dr. Alausa declared, “Today, as the Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, let me assure you that, God willing, I will promote healthcare systems, management, and delivery to the people of Nigeria.”

Earlier, the guest speaker of the day, Prof. Oladapo A. Ashiru (OFR), commenced his lecture with heartfelt eulogies for the late Horatio Oritsejolomi Thomas.

He then delved into the pivotal role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the health sector, saying “digital innovation in healthcare is the wave of the future, and it is already happening.”

“The future of digital innovation in healthcare and medical education is incredibly promising, and it’s evident that we are already well into this transformative journey,” Prof. Ashiru said.

“Artificial intelligence (Al) stands at the forefront of this revolution, with its potential to revolutionise healthcare delivery. Al’s ability to continuously monitor and analyse patient Health data, including data from fitness trackers, provides real-time insights into individual activity levels and heart health.

“This data-driven approach empowers healthcare professionals to create highly personalized treatment plans, ensuring more effective and efficient care.”

Meanwhile, as a surprise highlight of the event, Dr. Alausa was bestowed with a prestigious award by the college of medicine, recognising his significant contributions to the field of health and social welfare. The college also praised him for being a distinguished alumnus.

The auditorium, steeped in serene ambiance, played host to a distinguished array of guests. Among the attendees were the minister, his aides, esteemed professors, medical practitioners, students, and other distinguished individuals.

The event not only served as an educational platform but also as a testament to the government’s commitment to leveraging digital innovations in the healthcare sector to enhance the overall well-being of Nigerians.

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