Private medical practitioners attend to over 70% of Nigerian patients

The Association of Nigeria Private Medical Practitioners (ANPMP) has said that private medical practitioners currently attend to about 70 to 80 per cent of Nigerian patients.

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The President of the association, Kay Adesola, stated this in Ilorin while addressing journalist at the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the association.

Mr Adesola said private medical doctors are committed to enhancing the treatment of emergency cases nationwide, aiming to significantly reduce fatalities during critical health situations.

He emphasised the association’s desire to manage all emergencies, highlighting private medical facilities as the primary “round-the-clock life-saving” entities within the health sector.

According to him, the association plays a crucial role in complementing government’s healthcare efforts in the country.

The ANPMP president called for policies that would empower private medical practice, adding that the sector remains the foundation of Nigeria’s healthcare system.

“There is need for stronger partnership between government and private medical practitioners to enhance healthcare efficiency,” he said.

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“Without strategic support from all levels of government, the capacity of private hospitals to operate sustainably would be undermined.”

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Mr Adesola, however, listed key challenges confronting private health providers to include multiple taxation, exorbitant costs of medical equipment, and limited access to affordable funding among others.

According to him, these issues pose a serious threat to the continued existence of many private health facilities.
He also decried the worsening brain drain in the medical profession, popularly referred to as the “Japa syndrome”.

Mr Adesola appealed to all tiers of government to improve on the welfare and salaries of healthcare workers in Nigeria, adding that shortage of medical professionals would worsen the healthcare sector in the country.

He also advised Nigerians to key into the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), which he said, provides accessible healthcare regardless of income level.

According to him, the NHIA will ensure that citizens receive quality medical attention without financial strain.
He affirmed the association’s continued efforts in advocating for policies that would protect and enhance private healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

(NAN)