PharmAccess, HFN urge stronger private-sector role in healthcare reform

The PharmAccess Foundation and the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria (HFN) have called for stronger private-sector participation in healthcare system to improve service delivery and access to quality care.

The HFN delegation, led by its President and PharmAccess Country Director, Mrs. Njide Ndili, engaged with lawmakers at the National Assembly and key government agencies earlier this week.

Policy reforms, increased healthcare funding, and streamlined regulatory processes to encourage private-sector investment were the key issues discussed during the engagements.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Sen. Ipalibo Banigo, Deputy Chairman, Sen. Samaila Kaila, and Chairman of the House Committee on Health Institutions, Hon. Amos Magaji, assured the private-sector stakeholders of their commitment to supporting healthcare reforms.

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Kaila emphasised the need for private-sector investment, stating that it would help address gaps in the healthcare system
“Creating an enabling environment for private-sector investment and streamlining regulatory processes are key steps toward strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system. Public-private collaboration will help bridge critical gaps and improve service delivery nationwide,” he said.

The delegation also engaged with officials of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON).

At the NCS, discussions were held with Deputy Comptroller-General (Tariff & Trade), Caroline Niagwan, on implementing the Presidential Executive Order to ease the importation of essential medical supplies.

The talks focused on reducing bureaucratic delays and improving the supply chain to ensure faster access to critical healthcare products.

Similarly, at the NIPC, the team met with Executive Secretary, Mrs. Aisha Rimi, to discuss incentives for private healthcare investors and strategies to improve the ease of doing business in the sector.

Speaking after the engagements, Ndili stressed the need for public-private collaboration to drive lasting healthcare reforms.

“Sustainable healthcare transformation in Nigeria requires strategic partnerships between the government and private sector. By working together, we can unlock innovative financing models, improve healthcare infrastructure, and ensure that quality care is accessible to all Nigerians,” she said.

She acknowledged some progress but insisted that more work needs to be done to integrate the private sector into Nigeria’s healthcare system.

“Neither the public nor private sector can transform the system alone. PharmAccess has provided strategic support to HFN since its inception and remains committed to fostering impactful collaborations that will strengthen our health system for generations to come,” she added.