Cerba Lancet Nigeria, a leading diagnostic service provider in Africa, has recently expanded its operations into preventive healthcare by inaugurating a state-of-the-art reference laboratory in Lagos. This initiative is part of the firm’s broader commitment to align with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly the aim of achieving universal health coverage. The management emphasizes that preventive healthcare is essential in detecting potential health issues early, which can significantly reduce treatment costs and improve health outcomes. By focusing on early detection, the services offered at the new laboratory aim to facilitate timely interventions, enabling healthcare providers to address health concerns before they escalate into more serious conditions.
During a press briefing to announce the launch of the new laboratory, Dr. Olayemi Dawodu, Managing Director and CEO of Cerba Lancet Nigeria, articulated the critical importance of preventive healthcare within Nigeria’s broader healthcare landscape. She highlighted the urgency of improving health quality for Nigerians and minimizing the financial burden of out-of-pocket healthcare payments through early disease detection. Dawodu stressed that the COVID-19 pandemic underscored invaluable lessons about disease prevention, asserting that identifying health issues at early stages is crucial for enhancing treatment success and minimizing complications. The ultimate goal for the new laboratory is to transform health-seeking behavior in Nigeria by prioritizing preventive diagnostics and fostering informed health decisions among the population.
The newly established facility, which formerly operated as Clina Lancet Laboratories, adopted the Cerba Lancet Africa branding strategy as part of a series of enhancements aimed at establishing itself as Africa’s premier network of clinical pathology and diagnostics. Through this rebranding, Cerba Lancet Nigeria is committed to innovating preventive healthcare initiatives designed to improve disease detection and promote long-term wellness among Nigerians. At the unveiling, Dawodu noted the advanced diagnostic technologies housed within the facility, which will support a wide range of services that cater specifically to the health needs prevalent in Nigeria. This commitment underscores the laboratory’s aim to bridge gaps in healthcare access, particularly for chronic disease management and infectious disease diagnostics.
The significance of preventive healthcare in Nigeria cannot be overstated, given the numerous challenges encountered by the country’s healthcare systems, which often struggle with treating diseases in their advanced stages. Cerba Lancet Nigeria’s expansion echoes a necessity for a proactive health culture, which is primarily focused on prevention rather than reactionary treatment. Dr. Dawodu highlighted that the laboratory’s capabilities are essential not just for immediate health concerns but also for developing a long-term vision for wellness that incorporates preventive measures as a cornerstone of regular health care. The facility represents a crucial commitment toward building a healthier future for the Nigerian populace.
Matthieu Gogué, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors for Cerba Lancet Nigeria, further articulated the firm’s investment in Nigeria’s health sector, emphasizing the provision of superior diagnostic resources. He reiterated the company’s goal to empower individuals with the tools necessary for making proactive health decisions. Gogué emphasized the importance of public education on preventive health, aiming to cultivate an awareness of the benefits of routine screenings and health checks as integral components of overall well-being. This holistic approach to healthcare not only seeks to deliver world-class diagnostic services but also aims to foster a culture of prevention that could lead to a more sustainable healthcare environment in Nigeria.
The unveiling ceremony was well attended, drawing commendations from various dignitaries, including Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, who applauded Cerba Lancet’s investment in the country’s healthcare landscape. He acknowledged the company’s transition from pathology to preventive care as a significant contribution and highlighted the state government’s commitment to addressing healthcare challenges, including brain drain, through the establishment of a Medical University. The event was also attended by notable figures such as a former First Lady of Lagos State, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola, and former health officials, which illustrated a strong collective acknowledgment of the need for and benefits of enhanced preventive healthcare measures within the state and the country at large. Through such partnerships and community engagement, Cerba Lancet Nigeria seeks to create a sustainable framework for health awareness and access to essential healthcare services.
