By Divine Sam
The Chairman of the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners (ANPMP), have highlighted the severe economic challenges faced by private healthcare providers in Nigeria. According to him, the worsening economic situation has led to a rise in self-medication, which in turn results in organ failure and death, leaving morgues overwhelmed while hospital beds remain empty. Many Nigerians delay seeking proper medical care until it becomes critical, and the lack of financial resources forces people to resort to buying drugs from chemists, often only seeking professional help when it’s too late.
Private hospitals, which employ the majority of healthcare professionals in Nigeria, are particularly hard-hit. The rising cost of essential drugs and medical equipment, compounded by inflation and a weakened currency, makes it difficult for these institutions to operate sustainably. Dr. Odia stressed that private hospitals cannot afford to pay the new N70,000 minimum wage due to insufficient revenue. He also criticized the government’s lack of support for the private sector, despite the fact that it delivers the bulk of healthcare services in the country.
Moreover, the collapse of the national health insurance scheme, which has been ineffective for over two decades, exacerbates the situation. Dr. Odia pointed out that the paltry increase in health insurance premiums from N500 to N700 is insufficient to cover even basic healthcare needs. With the cost of basic medications and equipment skyrocketing, healthcare providers are struggling to meet even the most fundamental needs of their patients. Dr. Odia’s comments underscore the dire need for systemic reforms, including a functional national health insurance program and government intervention, to prevent the collapse of the private healthcare sector and to provide accessible, affordable healthcare to Nigerians.