PSHAN calls for accessible healthcare, proffers solution

Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN) has lamented that access to basic quality healthcare has been unattainable for many Nigerians for years.

It attributed the situation to geographic disparities, financial constraints and a strained public health system.

Recognising the urgent need to improve Nigeria’s Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) infrastructure, PSHAN launched the Adopt-A-Healthcare-Facility Programme (ADHFP) in November 2022. Through the ADHFP initiative, PSHAN aims to standardise and revitalise PHCs across all the 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Nigeria, ensuring that world-class healthcare is accessible to every Nigerian.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Organisation, Dr Tinuola Akinbolagbe, said: “The programme is based on the idea that improving basic health services is crucial for lowering disease rates and boosting overall health. ADHFP aims to make sure that all Nigerians, no matter where they live or their economic situation, can access top-quality healthcare.”

According to her, PHCs play a critical role in building a robust healthcare ecosystem as they serve as the first point of contact for individuals and families, offering preventive care, essential diagnostics, and treatment for common ailments.

“They are the bedrock upon which a healthy population and a thriving nation are built.

“Unfortunately, Nigeria’s existing network of PHCs falls short of the ideal. Many facilities are dilapidated, lack essential equipment, and struggle to retain qualified personnel. Only approximately 20 per cent of Nigeria’s 30,000 PHCs operate effectively. This translates to a stark reality, particularly for those residing in rural areas and urban slums, where access to even basic healthcare services remains a constant struggle.”

She described ADHFP as a beacon of hope, aiming to establish functional, well-equipped PHCs in each of Nigeria’s 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs).

“At its core, ADHFP is about infrastructural investment and fostering a comprehensive approach to healthcare improvement by making world-class healthcare accessible to every Nigerian, especially at the grassroots level.

“This ambitious programme operates through a unique public-private partnership model to reduce the burden on overburdened secondary and tertiary healthcare systems. High-net-worth individuals, private individuals, and organisations (adopters and donors) sponsor the construction, refurbishment, or adoption of existing PHCs, including the provision of essential medical services to underserved communities such maternal care, vaccinations and disease prevention programs, which translates to increased access to PHCs, early detection and treatment, and job creation.

“So far, key projects have been flagged for unveiling in Rivers and Edo States this quarter, with memoranda of understanding signed and local contractors and vendors being consulted to ensure a smooth kick-off. These facilities have reported improved patient satisfaction, reduced waiting times, and better health outcomes. Such successes demonstrate the programme’s potential to drive significant improvements in Nigeria’s healthcare landscape, contributing to the achievement of national and international health goals, especially the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Goal Three – good health and well-being,” it said.

On how to ensure great future for health, it said: “While government efforts are essential, exclusive reliance on public funding and resources may not adequately meet the growing healthcare needs of Nigeria’s population. By partnering with PSHAN through ADHFP, private entities can leverage their resources, expertise, and innovation to complement governmental initiatives. This collaborative approach not only enhances the scale and impact of healthcare interventions but also strengthens the resilience of Nigeria’s healthcare system to withstand future challenges better.