Role of medical diagnostics in lowering cost of healthcare

In most of Africa, the allocation of healthcare budgets to diagnostics is disproportionately lower than the allocation to treatment interventions. [iStockphoto]

They are critical to creating the vehicles we need to conquer Africa's dual burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). NCDs like hypertension, diabetes and heart diseases are among the contributors to high mortality rates; communicable diseases like HIV/Aids, malaria, tuberculosis and acute respiratory infections also remain significant challenges.

We also seek to invest with partners to support the scale-up of robust laboratories and skilled lab workforce to make early diagnosis the norm even in remote areas.

To what extent would you say investments in diagnostics will reduce the cost of healthcare on the continent?

Studies show that significant savings can be achieved through rapid referral to an expert and the use of Diagnostic Decision Support Systems (DDSS). Faster diagnosis not only achieves savings but also enables the right therapy early and thus increases the quality of life for patients.

In one study, out of 76 cases reviewed, only 51-68 per cent of the total health costs would have been incurred had an early diagnosis been secured. As a continent of 55 countries and abundant resources, Africa holds immense opportunities.

A healthier population means a positive effect on overall economic growth.

As the continent with the world's youngest population, Africa's youth is one of its largest resources and can offer enormous potential in the form of a large and skilled workforce if kept healthy.

How can insurers be part of diagnostics, and how can you convince them it is a good investment for their business?

For insurers, as discussed in the previous question, the cost-saving benefits are immense - both in the short and the long term. Prevention is cheaper than cure and, therefore, makes business sense.

What kind of support do you seek from governments to achieve your 10-year agenda?

We have a saying in Africa: "If you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go with others." We want to go far in Africa in partnership with respective governments and other partners. Governments create conducive environments for business growth, including an enabling regulatory framework, health markets through universal health insurance for populations and infrastructure investments that make remote populations accessible for care.

How do you plan to work with start-ups that might have diagnostics solutions for the continent?

The future of African healthcare is co-creation and co-design. We are open to meaningful partnerships that serve the purpose of better healthcare access for all Africans.

True partners are bonded by transparency, trust, mutual respect and a common purpose. Each partner's specific objectives are shared transparently and success is marked by a win-win outcome for all stakeholders.