The Federal Ministry of Science and Technology says it will intensify effort to ensure healthcare delivery system in the country is efficient through research and innovation.
Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, the Minister of Science and Technology, made the known on Friday in Abuja when the Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Carlose Trejo, paid him a courtesy call.
“Through research and innovation, we should be able to help in the manufacture of machines and equipment use in the hospitals.
According to him, the ministry has responsibility to make sure that healthcare delivery system is efficient and effective to improve the standard of living in the nation.
“Also, through research to encourage local drug manufacturers to strengthen our economy, diversify our economy by migrating from resource base to the knowledge base innovation driving economy,’’ he said.
The minister said that the Nigeria would partner with Cuba in the area of healthcare delivery, particularly in vaccine production.
According to him, Cuba has done so well in healthcare delivery as the country manufactures over 80 per cent of the drugs it uses.
“They are certain diseases that Cuba has been able to find vaccines that the other countries have not been able do so.
“In terms of healthcare, looking after the health of the citizens, Cuba ranks very highly in the whole world.
“So by cooperating with Cuba, we can benefit a lot particularly in the area of drugs and of vaccine which is of great important,“ he said.
Earlier, the Trejo, who described Nigerians as intelligent people that were able to acquire technologies, noted that Cuba would like to strengthen its relationship with Nigeria.
“We do not come to teach but we come to Nigeria to share, for you do not come to a land of your ancestors to teach them how to do what to do.
“We are trying to pay back our historical birth with Africa by bringing here what we have achieved in many years.
“To bring in to Africa whatever that is available in Cuba to our brothers and sisters in this continent.
“So, it is more important to continue the existing relation we have since the independence of Nigeria,“ he said.