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The Private Sector Healthcare Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN) has lamented that many Nigerians have been unable to access basic quality healthcare services over the years.
The report blames this on geographical disparities, financial constraints and strained public health systems.
Recognising the urgent need to improve the infrastructure of Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in Nigeria, PSHAN launched the Adopt-A-Health Facility Programme (ADHFP) in November 2022. Through the ADHFP programme, PSHAN aims to standardise and revitalise PHCs in all 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Nigeria, ensuring that every Nigerian has access to world-class healthcare services.
Dr Tinuola Akinbolagbe, the organisation’s chief executive, said: “The programme is based on the idea that improving access to basic health services is essential to reducing morbidity and promoting overall health. The ADHFP aims to ensure that all Nigerians, regardless of where they live or their economic status, have access to the highest quality health services.”
She said primary care centres play a key role in building a strong healthcare ecosystem as they are the first point of contact for individuals and families, providing preventive care, basic diagnostics and treatment of common illnesses.
“They are the cornerstone of population health and national prosperity.
“Unfortunately, Nigeria’s existing primary health care network is less than ideal. Many facilities are dilapidated, lack necessary equipment and struggle to retain qualified staff. Only about 20% of Nigeria’s 30,000 primary health care centres are functioning effectively. This is a grim reality, especially for those living in rural areas and urban slums who face difficulties in accessing even basic health services.”
She described the ADHFP as a beacon of hope that aims to establish fully functional and well-equipped PHCs in all 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Nigeria.
“The core of ADHFP is infrastructure investment that will contribute to overall improvement in healthcare by making world-class health services accessible to every Nigerian, especially at the grassroots level.”
“This ambitious project operates through a unique public-private partnership model and aims to reduce the burden on overburdened secondary and tertiary healthcare systems. High net worth individuals, private individuals and organizations (adopters and donors) sponsor the construction, renovation or adoption of existing PHCs, including the provision of basic health services such as maternal care, vaccinations and disease prevention programs to underserved communities, which means increased access to PHCs, early detection and treatment, and job creation.
“So far this quarter, a number of key projects have been identified for launch in Rivers and Edo States, with Memorandums of Understanding signed and consultations with local contractors and suppliers undertaken to ensure a smooth launch. These facilities have reported improved patient satisfaction, reduced waiting times and better health outcomes. These successes demonstrate the potential of the programme to drive significant improvements in Nigeria’s healthcare landscape, contributing to the achievement of national and international health goals, particularly United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Goal 3 – Good Health and Well-Being,” the report said.
On how to ensure a better future for healthcare, the report states: “While government efforts are essential, reliance on public funds and resources alone may not be able to fully meet the growing healthcare needs of the Nigerian population. Through ADHFP’s collaboration with PSHAN, private entities can leverage their resources, expertise, and innovation to complement government initiatives. This collaborative approach will not only expand the scale and impact of healthcare interventions, but also enhance the resilience of Nigeria’s healthcare system to better meet future challenges.”
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