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

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1 year 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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Aisha Achimugu Commissions Bodex Media Studio As “Talks with Bodex” Podcast Is Officially Unveiled

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4 hours ago

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February 23, 2025

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Dr. (Mrs.) Aisha Achimugu, a highly respected entrepreneur and philanthropist, has officially commissioned the Bodex Media Studio in Lagos. The commissioning marks a new era for digital storytelling and media innovation.

 

Achimugu praised Florence Bodex Hungbo, the visioner behind Bodex Media Studio and the CEO of Bodex Group. She commended her for her relentless efforts in driving media excellence.

 

The event also marked the grand unveiling of the “Talks With Bodex” podcast, a new platform dedicated to engaging discussions with industry leaders, changemakers, and everyday individuals, making extraordinary moves.

Hosted by Florence Bodex Hungbo, the podcast promises insightful, entertaining, and thought-provoking conversations on entrepreneurship, social impact, and digital trends.

 

Expressing her gratitude, Bodex shared her excitement for the new journey ahead. According to her, “Having Dr. (Mrs.) Aisha Achimugu commission this studio is an honour. She embodies excellence, leadership, and positive impact, which aligns with the vision we have for Bodex Media Studio and the “Talks With Bodex” podcast. This is just the beginning, and we are ready to create powerful content that informs, educates, and entertains,” she said.

Follow @talkswithbodex and @realbodex on all social media platforms for updates and exclusivity

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Natasha’s reason for her removal as committee chair misleading- Senator

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7 hours ago

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February 23, 2025

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Chairman of the Senate Committee on Gas, Agom Jarigbe, has clarified that the removal of Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Local Content had no connection to the siting of Mini LNG Plants in Ajaokuta, Kogi State.

Mr Jarigbe, who represents Cross River North Senatorial District, made the clarification in a statement on Sunday.

“The claim that her role or involvement in the siting of the LNG plants played a part in her replacement is categorically incorrect,” he said.

This clarification follows a claim by the Kogi senator in a telephone interview with Berekete Family, a human rights radio station in Abuja, on Friday.

In the interview, Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan said she was recently removed from the Senate Committee on Local Content due to perceived biases and that some lawmakers suspected she was diverting resources meant for the Niger Delta to the north.

“Just two weeks ago, I was removed from a committee on local content. I was moved from there because some people perceived that I was using that office to divert resources from the Niger Delta to the north, and that was not it,” she said in the interview.

However, Mr Jarigbe, a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan, refuted these claims, describing them as baseless and misleading.

Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan has been an outspoken lawmaker, particularly in the Senate Committee on Steel Development, where she serves as vice chairperson.

During the 2025 budget defence sessions in January, she actively scrutinised and criticised the Federal Ministry of Steel Development, uncovering fraudulent activities involving ghost contractors and unimplemented projects.

Notably, on 22 January, she raised concerns over a questionable N2 billion project for youth training in metal works. She highlighted discrepancies in the budget and inconsistent implementation.

Her tenure as chairperson of the Senate Committee on Local Content was also marked by rigorous oversight, ensuring accountability from agencies under its jurisdiction.

However, on 4 February, upon resumption of plenary for the year, Senate President Godswill Akpabio reassigned her from the local content committee to the Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations.

Given that the local content committee oversees lucrative oil agencies, many speculate that her reassignment was politically motivated, possibly reacting to her unwavering scrutiny of government projects.

Response to allegation of LNG projects influence

Mr Jarigbe said neither Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan nor the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) played any role in determining the location of the LNG plants.

He explained that the LNG projects, which are Prime LNG, NGML/Gasnexus LNG, BUA LNG, Highland LNG, and LNG Arete, are private sector-driven initiatives, not federal government projects.

He further emphasised that the decision to site the plants in Ajaokuta was made solely by private investors after considering economic viability, access to gas pipelines, and operational efficiency.

Mr Jarigbe also noted that while Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan was invited to project engagements, her participation was not different from that of other National Assembly members, and her presence did not equate to influencing the project’s location.

“As chairman of the Senate Committee on Gas, I have received numerous inquiries from concerned Nigerians questioning why Ajaokuta was selected as the site for these Plants.

“Private investors make decisions based on the profitability and sustainability of their investments, not political affiliations or considerations,” he said.

Call for conduct and responsibility among senators

Mr Jarigbe also urged his colleagues to exercise caution in their public remarks, reminding them that parliamentary immunity applies only within the Senate chambers.

He cautioned against defamatory statements and emphasised the need for decorum in legislative conduct.

“There is no protection or immunity outside the chamber, and we must exercise restraint and circumspection in our speeches and actions.

“Our behaviour and words must reflect the dignity and responsibility vested in us by the people of Nigeria. The law does not provide immunity for a Senator who defames anyone,” Mr Jarigbe said.

The senator encouraged adherence to Senate Standing Orders.

He said, “Finally, I urge my distinguished colleagues to review and adhere to the Senate Standing Orders and to conduct ourselves in a manner that upholds the sanctity of the Senate and the high office we hold.”

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Oando Boss, Wale Tinubu Receives Award as Best Investor of the Year

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1 day ago

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February 22, 2025

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Jubril Adewale Tinubu, oil tycoon and GCE of leading oil and gas firm, OANDO, yesterday shone brilliantly like a well-cut diamond when he received the award for the New Telegraph Investor/Transaction of the Year 2024.

 

The oil guru with three decades of expectational performance in the oil sector was among other prominent Nigerians that went home with honours at the Oriental Hotels, venue of the ceremony.

 

The award, described as well- deserved, was presented to Tinubu for leading his team to successfully completing the acquisition of Agip Oil Company at $783 million.

 

The transaction, which was completed in August 2024, was described my many as a remarkable one the nation’s economy.

 

Tinubu is an intelligent, pragmatic and a genius who strikes when the iron is hottest.

 

Gifted with a knack to spot opportunity ahead of the crowd, Tinubu has in the last 30 years of unbroken entrepreneurial voyage positioned Oando among the best oil and gas company in the world.

He believes Nigeria offers limitless possibilities and opportunities, and holds high, at all times, the banner of hope.

 

Today, the business has not only earned him fame and wealth, but has also contributed in great measures to the economic development of Africa and beyond.

 

Other awardees on the night include Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State won the Governor of the Year 2024; Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State received the Governor of the Year in Projects, while Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State won Governor of the Year in Economy

 

 

Others are Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State; Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke; Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji; Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), Mr Mele Kyari, won the newspaper’s prestigious Man of the Year 2024, while the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Barrister Festus Keyamo (SAN), won Minister of the Year 2024 in Transformative Leadership.

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