IHC launches new integrated healthcare policy to improve mental, primary care in Nigeria

The Integrated Healthcare for Community Wellness (IHC) has unveiled new policy pathways to provide Nigerians with comprehensive medical care through a single, unified platform.

Speaking at the event in Abuja, the Chief Executive Officer of IHC, Dr. Laura Ikeagu, explained that the initiative was designed to address the nation‘s persistent gaps in coordinated mental and behavioral health follow-up services.

She highlighted telehealth as a major pillar of the model, noting that it would extend healthcare access to rural communities where residents rely on basic mobile devices and internet connectivity.

Dr. Ikeagu emphasized the importance of adopting an integrated healthcare system that would bring physical, mental, and behavioral health services together under one accessible structure, by strengthening overall patient support and outcomes.

Delivering a keynote address, Women’s Rights Activist, Chief Ene Ede criticized the current fragmented healthcare system, pointing to the exorbitant cost of critical treatments such as bone marrow transplants.

While describing integrated healthcare as a “one-stop shop” for wellness through collaboration across medical disciplines, Chief Ede called for the adoption of a robust integrated healthcare framework to prevent avoidable tragedies and close the critical gaps that continue to undermine the nation’s health sector.

Also speaking at the event, Assistant Director in the Public Health Department of the Ministry of Health, Mrs. Grace Ogunleye, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to promoting integrated, people-centered care supported by strong policies, a skilled workforce, quality certification, and sustainable financing.

Mrs Ogunleye stressed the need to mainstream mental health into primary care by ensuring that services for mental, neurological, and substance-use conditions were accessible, affordable, and delivered alongside other essential health services.

A mental health practitioner based in Abuja, Dr. Zainab Ahmed, noted that psychological issues, including anxiety, as well as social challenges such as unemployment and insecurity, significantly contribute to neurological conditions.

She called for increased awareness and funding to reduce the growing burden of mental health challenges in the country.

The event was held under the theme: “Policy, Workforce, Certification, and Financing Pathways for Scalable Health Integration.”