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Data-Driven Growth: How The Advantage Solution Is Reshaping Pharmacy Practices Across Africa

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8 months ago

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Are you a pharmacy owner or manager who wants to grow your business and practice while providing better healthcare access to your community? Do you want to leverage the power of technology and data to optimize your operations, increase your revenue, and enhance your patient outcomes? If yes, then you need to know about The Advantage, a solution that is transforming the pharma and healthcare sectors in Africa from the bottom up.

The Problems in the Pharma and Healthcare Sectors in Africa

The pharma and healthcare sectors in Africa face many challenges, such as low profitability, poor access, and lack of data. According to the World Health Organization, Africa accounts for only 2% of the global pharmaceutical market, despite having 16% of the world’s population and 25% of the global disease burden. Moreover, the continent suffers from a shortage of healthcare workers, facilities, and equipment, resulting in low quality and high cost of care. Furthermore, there is a scarcity of reliable and timely data on the health status, needs, and preferences of the population, making it difficult to design and implement effective interventions.

Advantage Health Africa launches The Advantage to help pharmacies accelerate their businesses in Nigeria

One of the reasons for these problems is that we mostly do not perceive healthcare from the eyes of the patients. We have so far seen healthcare from our professional eyes and that is why we have not explored the boundless opportunities of the ‘consuming’ behaviour of the people we serve. As the first port of call for patients at the community level, there is a wealth of untapped opportunities embedded in collaborating with community pharmacies. Additionally, many pharmacies have not positioned themselves to optimise these opportunities!

The Advantage Solution

The Advantage Solution is a product of Advantage Health Africa, a health solution company that provides technology products and services to promote access to affordable and quality healthcare across Africa. The Advantage Solution is not a software as a service, but a solution that deals with the problems in the pharma and healthcare sectors from the bottom up by empowering community pharmacies as the first port of call for patients. It offers the following features and benefits:

Real-time management and insights for pharmacy operations including procurement, branding, staff management, sales, inventory and patient data management. The Advantage Solution helps pharmacies to automate and streamline their workflows, reduce errors and wastage, and improve efficiency and productivity.

Predictive capabilities for disease prevalence and consumer behaviour. The Advantage Solution uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyse data and generate insights that can help pharmacies to anticipate and respond to the health needs and preferences of their customers, as well as to identify and mitigate potential risks and opportunities.

Access to a platform for interoperability between different healthcare players. The Advantage Solution connects pharmacies to a network of other stakeholders in the healthcare industry, such as health maintenance organizations (HMOs), healthcare innovators, global funders, regulators, health and financial institutions, big pharma and distributors, and investors. This enables pharmacies to access a wider market, offer more services, and collaborate on solutions that can improve and accelerate the healthcare ecosystem.

Access to consolidated data and a stronger distribution network. The Advantage Solution aggregates data from thousands of pharmacies across Africa, creating a rich and reliable source of information that can inform decision-making and policy-making. It also leverages a robust and efficient distribution system that can ensure the availability and affordability of high-quality medicines and products.

By using The Advantage Solution, pharmacies can grow their businesses and practice, while serving multiple stakeholders in the healthcare industry.

Potential Impacts

The Advantage Solution has the potential to create a positive impact on the healthcare ecosystem in Africa, by reaching the following milestones:

10,000 Pharmacies in Africa: The Advantage Solution aims to onboard 10,000 pharmacies across Africa, creating a network of trusted and reliable healthcare providers that can serve millions of customers.

50 Million Patients’ Data: The Advantage Solution aims to collect and analyse data from 50 million patients across Africa, creating a valuable and comprehensive database that can inform and improve healthcare delivery and policy.

N2Bn Additional Revenue: The Advantage Solution aims to generate N2Bn additional revenue for the pharmacies that use the platform, creating a sustainable and profitable business model that can support the growth and development of the pharma and healthcare sectors in Africa.

AI-Powered: The Advantage Solution uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to provide smart and innovative solutions that can enhance the performance and efficiency of the pharmacies and the healthcare system.

Integrated Care: The Advantage Solution enables integrated care, by connecting pharmacies to other healthcare players and facilitating collaboration and coordination of care across the continuum.

FAQS

Is it free for Pharmacies to come on board?

Yes, it’s free. The Advantage Solution does not charge any upfront or subscription fees for pharmacies to join the platform.

How does Aha! make money from this?

Our growth is in the growth of the Pharmacies we work with. When they grow, we grow! We will be charging a tiny percentage of their revenue (1 to 2%) which can be factored to their margins.

Can the Pharmacies add more products to the Universal list?

Yes, they can. However, the products will be reviewed and approved by the Super Admin.

Is there a mobile version?

Right now, we have the web version. The mobile version will be out in the next couple of months.

Can this version be used by distributors, wholesalers etc?

For now, we are focused on the retail pharmacies. This version may come up later. For now, we simply want to plug in their API’s. However, we will be working on a value-added platform for big pharma, distributors and wholesalers to reach the pharmacies for a more structured and data-driven supply of medicines.

How do we ensure data security and privacy?

We have a robust data protection policy and a competent tech team to ensure cybersecurity. We comply with the relevant laws and regulations on data protection and privacy, and we do not share or sell any personal or sensitive data without consent.

What is our plan to penetrate the pharmacies in rural areas?

Our vision is Africa-wide. We have a robust field force and business model, positioned to take the nooks and crannies of Nigeria and Africa. We use various channels and strategies to reach out and onboard pharmacies in rural areas, such as referrals, partnerships, incentives, and awareness campaigns.

Can individuals plug in to order their medicines?

We have a solution for that, myMedicines. myMedicines is a platform that aggregates reputable pharmacies across Nigeria and delivers high quality medicine to customers through logistics and telepharmacy. It also serves as a pharmacy benefit service for health maintenance organizations (HMOs) in Nigeria. myMedicines will plug in its API backend where last mile persons can have access to the medications on THE ADVANTAGE.

In one sentence, what is our Unique Selling Point?

Our USP is creating a solution that provides access to growth, market, interoperability between different healthcare players and opportunities for retail pharmacies to accelerate their businesses and practice. We accelerate growth of Pharmacies through access to market and operational success.

Conclusion

The Advantage Solution is a game-changer for the pharma and healthcare sectors in Africa. It empowers community pharmacies to become the concierge of wellness in delivering holistic care while driving sustainability and profitability in their businesses. It also connects pharmacies to a platform that offers access to a world of opportunities for other healthcare players that will further improve and accelerate the healthcare ecosystem. If you are a pharmacy owner or manager who wants to join The Advantage Solution, or if you are a healthcare stakeholder who wants to partner with us, please sign up for our waitlist. You can also follow us on our social media handles for more updates and information. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the solution that is transforming healthcare in Africa. Join The Advantage Solution today!

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Rotary International District 9112 launches its coastal restoration initiative by planting 1,000 coconut trees in Lagos

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1 day ago

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July 26, 2024

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In a bid to promote its mission of improving the environment, Rotary international District 9112 on Sunday kicked off an environment-saving intervention tagged: Coastal Restoration Initiative at Westside Beach, Okun, Ajah, Lagos, where 1000 coconut trees were planted along the coastal shores of the Atlantic Ocean.

 

Speaking at the event, the Governor of Rotary International, District 9112 Rotarian Femi Adenekan said the “initiative is conceived to save the environment as well as reduce the adverse effect of the climate change.”

 

According to him; “the environment is one of the main focus areas of Rotary International. We need to consciously come to the realization that we need to save our environment. We need to save ourselves. So that in the future, those that will come after us will have life.”

“People assume that the world belongs to them. They have forgotten that they are just tenants on the surface of the earth. If you try to change nature, nature will react, which is the reason we are having a lot of environmental damage in the world. Some of wrong human activities, such as throwing plastics and other items into water or where it ought not to be is causing us environmental challenges. If we don’t take care of our environment, the environment will react and take us out of the surface of the earth,” He said.

 

 

The chairman of the District 9112 Tree Planting Committee, Rtn. Gboyega Bada recommended the adoption of an “Every Rotarian Plant a Tree Every Year” policy and also indicated plans for Rotary International District 9112 to propose a Private Bill to the Lagos State House of Assembly to enable all Lagos Residents plant a tree every year for the next five years to address the challenges of climate change.

 

Rtn Bada stated that the vision of Rotary District 9112 on Tree Planting is to achieve a safer and cleaner environment by planting 10,000 seedlings of Coconut, Mango, Breadfruit, Avocado and other ralated crops that have economic, health and environmental benefits.

 

The event was well attended by Stakeholders in the Private and Public Sectors. Pan African Towers Ltd, Tolaram Group, Azeez Amida Foundation, Telenoetica Ltd, amongst others were well represented. Past District Governor Tunji Funsho led other Rotary Leaders to give their support. The DG’s wife Rtn Tayo Adenekan, the District Governor elect Rtn Lanre Adedoyin, General Manager of Lagos State Coconut Development Authority, Dapo Olakulehim and Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency, Club Presidents and Rotarians from the 73 Clubs graced the occasion.

 

 

Also speaking at the event, one of the Guest Speakers, the world acclaimed horticulturist, Mr. Andrew Vale of Tolaram Group and The Lagos Free Zone, highlighted the importance of trees, saying; “planting trees improves air quality, reduces air pollution, and illnesses from air pollution. More so, plants produce oxygen and provide shelter, medicine, and many more.”

 

In his own special remarks, Chairman, LUFASI Park and DG Coconut Naija, Dr. Desmond Majekodunmi, said; “the basic fact about the environment is that whatever you sow, you shall reap. The environment will always treat you, the way you treat it.”

 

It is of note that the vision of District 9112 on tree planting for this year is to achieve a safer and cleaner environment through the planting of 10,000 seedlings of coconut, mango, breadfruit, avocado and other related crops that have economic, health and environmental benefits.

 

The event was witnessed and supported by main stakeholders in the industry, agencies and partners which included, Mr Dapo Olakulehin, General Manager, Lagos State Coconut Development Authority (LASCODA), Mr Andrew Vale of Tolaram Group, Channel Scott from Pan African Towers, Azeez Amida Foundation, Telenoetica, The Legend Lifeskills Foundation, Etam Avitat, Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK) , presidents and members of various Rotary Clubs in District 9112 amongst others.

 

Rotary leaders who witnessed the event are PDG Tunji Funsho, PDG Kamoru Omotosho, PDG Omotunde Lawson amongst others.

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Ohanaeze President-General, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Is Dead

Published

2 days ago

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July 25, 2024

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The President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu is dead.

 

The Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Dr Alex Ogbonnia confirmed the death to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Enugu.

 

“Today is a bad day for Ndigbo. It’s true! Ahaeji aga Mba is gone.

 

“Ohaneze is yet to issue an official statement on the demise of our President General, Chief Iwuanyanwu, but he is gone.

 

Aged 82, Iwuanyanwu was elected the President General of the apex Igbo cultural organisation on April 20, 2023 following the sudden death of his predecessor, Prof George Obiozor.

 

An unconfirmed report said that the octogenarian died in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja on Thursday, July 25.

 

NAN reports that Iwuanyanwu is the second President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo to die in office after his predecessor, Prof. George Obiozor, who also died in office.

 

Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu is a prominent Nigerian businessman, politician, and philanthropist known for his significant contributions to various sectors, particularly in the Igbo community

and beyond. (NAN)

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How Top Immigration Officer, Akomolafe Gbenga Michael, Was Arrested, Arraigned For Alleged Drug Trafficking

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2 days ago

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July 25, 2024

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Few years after a top police officer, Abba Kyari, was arrested for alleged drug deals, another top uniform man, Akomolafe Gbenga Michael

has been arrested and charged for alleged drug trafficking.

 

Akomolafe, an Immigration officer serving at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport, Ikeja in Lagos was arraigned alongside three others before Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos on a nine-count charge of alleged conspiracy, unlawful possession, import, and dealing in the prohibited substances.

 

He was specifically alleged to have been involved in trafficking eight kilograms of Methamphetamine and 7.60 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa, also known as marijuana.

 

Others arraigned on the alleged offences alongside the Immigration officer are; Babatunde Micheal Olufemi said to be a staff of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nwadozie Chris Amaechi, and Nwosu Chinedu Cyril.

 

The prosecutor, Abu Ibrahim, told the court that the four who belonged to a hard drug syndicate were arrested on May 21, 2024, while attempting to smuggle the prohibited substances out of the Murtala Muhammad International Airport Ikeja, Lagos.

 

Ibrahim also told the court that the four men conspired to commit the alleged crimes alongside the duo of Nwadozie Sunday and Echezona Nwosu, based in South Africa.

 

Specifically, the Immigration officer, Akomolafe was slammed with a six-count charge of conspiracy, unlawful import, unlawful possession, and trafficking in the banned substances while the trio of Olufemi said to be a staff of FAAN, Nwadozie, and Nwosu, was slammed with three counts of conspiracy and unlawful importation and possession of the banned drugs.

 

The prosecutor told the court that the alleged criminal act of the four men contravened sections 14 (b), 21 (2)(d), and 20 (1)(c) punishable under sections 11(b) and 20 (2)(b) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act Cap. N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

 

However, while the other three members of the gang pleaded guilty to the charges, the Immigration officer denied the offences and pleaded not guilty to all the counts of the charge.

 

Based on the not-guilty plea of the Immigration officer, his lawyer, Benson Ndakara, pleaded with the court to admit him to bail in the most liberal terms.

 

In his ruling, Justice Osiagor admitted Akomolafe to bail in the sum of N10 million with one surety.

 

The judge also ordered that the surety must be a civil servant of an assistant director cadre in the employment of Lagos State or the Federal Government.

 

The trial was then adjourned to November 7, 2024. Based on their guilty plea, the court convicted and sentenced the trio of Babatunde Micheal Olufemi, Nwadozie Chris Amaechi, and Nwosu Chinedu Cyril, to four years on each count. The sentence is to run concurrently.

 

The three convicts were also given the option of paying a fine of N2 million each on each count.

 

In a related development, The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has suspended Akomolafe over his alleged involvement in multiple drug trafficking offences and his arraignment before a Federal High Court in Lagos.

 

A press statement on Wednesday by the spokesperson of NIS, Kenneth Udo, said the suspension was imposed on the erring officer as the Service awaited the judgement

of the court for further action..

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