By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal
The Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners (ANPMP) has stated that private medical practitioners currently attend to about 70 to 80 percent of patients in Nigeria.
Dr. Kay Adesola, the President of ANPMP, stated this in Ilorin while addressing newsmen at the National Executive Council (NEC) Meeting held in Ilorin.
Adesola stated that the private medical doctors are committed to enhancing the treatment of emergency cases nationwide, aiming to significantly reduce fatalities during critical health situations.
He emphasized 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 healthcare efforts in the country.
He called for policies that will 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.
“Without strategic support from all levels of government, the capacity of private hospitals to operate sustainably would be undermined,” he said.
Adesola however identified key challenges confronting private health providers, including multiple taxation, exorbitant costs of medical equipment, and limited access to affordable funding.
According to him, these issues pose a serious threat to the continued existence of many private health facilities.
The ANPMP president also lamented over the worsening brain drain in the medical profession, popularly refered to as the “Japa syndrome.”
Adesola appealed to the government at all tiers to improve on the welfare and salaries of healthcare workers in Nigeria, adding that shortage of medical professionals will worsen the healthcare sector in the country.
He also advised Nigerians to key in on the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), which he said provides accessible healthcare regardless of income level.
He stated that the NHIS will ensure that citizens receive quality medical attention without financial strain.
Adesola affirmed the association’s continued efforts in advocating for policies that would protect and enhance private healthcare delivery in Nigeria.