The Institute of Health Service Administrators of Nigeria (IHSAN) has urged governments at all levels to significantly increase budgetary allocations to the health sector in line with the 15 percent Abuja Declaration commitment.

IHSAN National President, Eze Okezie Chijioke, made this call during the institute's 40th National Professional Development Workshop held at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido Ekiti (FETHI). He emphasized that increased funding would boost hospital infrastructure and equipment while helping to stem the migration of Nigerian health workers seeking better opportunities abroad.

"What is currently obtainable is a far cry from the agreement," Chijioke stated, referring to the current health budget allocation compared to the 15 percent benchmark established in the Abuja Declaration.

The five-day event, themed 'Developing sustainable best practices in hospital administration,' included an induction ceremony for new members and the conferment of honorary fellowship awards on distinguished individuals including FETHI Chief Medical Director, Prof. Adekunle Ajayi, and the Permanent Secretary of Ekiti State Ministry of Health, Mrs. Olusola Gbenga-Igotun.

In a communique issued at the conclusion of the workshop, IHSAN encouraged governments to prioritize primary healthcare, improve the National Health Insurance scheme, and pay greater attention to vulnerable groups. The institute also stressed the need for strengthened health policies and political will to build sustainable frameworks in the health sector.

Prof. Ajayi, in his keynote address, called for a rethinking of hospital administration approaches in an era marked by technological advancement, rising healthcare costs, financial constraints, and healthcare professional shortages.

"Operational efficiency is the foundation of a sustainable hospital system. Inefficiencies can lead to wasted resources, increased costs, and suboptimal patient outcomes," Ajayi noted. He advocated for the adoption of artificial intelligence, data analytics, and automation to optimize workflows and improve decision-making in healthcare facilities.

The CMD further recommended implementing electronic health records to streamline patient data management, automating staff and patient scheduling to reduce errors, and expanding telemedicine services to improve access to care while reducing in-person visits.

Mrs. Foluso Adelegan, IHSAN 2025 Local Organising Committee Chairman and FETHI Director of Administration, highlighted the challenge of brain drain in the health sector, referring to it as part of the "JAPA syndrome and other cancerous parasites that have eaten deep into the system."

The event also honored Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele and Prophet Sam Olu Alo, founder of Olu Alo Foundation, with awards of excellence for their contributions to healthcare development.