Reported by Simon yusuph,| Journalist at wengglobal
The outgoing Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Edo State chapter, Dr. Eustace Oseghale, has urged governments at all levels to deepen collaboration with the private sector through well-structured Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), arguing that such partnerships are critical to addressing Nigeria’s persistent healthcare challenges and expanding access to quality medical services.
Speaking during activities marking the end of his tenure as chairman of the association, Oseghale said Nigeria’s health sector continues to grapple with inadequate infrastructure, limited funding, shortages of skilled healthcare professionals, and increasing demand for quality medical care. He stressed that stronger cooperation between government institutions and private healthcare providers offers one of the most practical pathways toward sustainable healthcare reform.
According to him, healthcare delivery in Nigeria can no longer rely solely on government resources, particularly at a time when public hospitals are under immense pressure from growing patient populations, rising operational costs, and infrastructure deficits.
“Public-private partnerships have the capacity to bridge existing gaps in healthcare financing, improve service delivery, modernize hospital infrastructure, and ultimately provide better health outcomes for Nigerians,” he said.
Strengthening Nigeria’s Health System
Healthcare experts have long argued that Nigeria’s health system requires comprehensive reforms to achieve universal health coverage. While government remains the primary provider of public health services, the private sector accounts for a significant proportion of healthcare delivery across the country, especially in urban centres.
Oseghale noted that rather than operating independently, both sectors should leverage their respective strengths to improve efficiency, attract investments, introduce modern medical technologies, and strengthen specialist healthcare services.
He explained that properly regulated PPP arrangements can facilitate the construction of new hospitals, rehabilitation of aging medical facilities, procurement of advanced diagnostic equipment, and improved hospital management systems without placing excessive financial burdens on government budgets.
The outgoing NMA chairman emphasized that successful partnerships should be guided by transparency, accountability, clear contractual obligations, and policies that prioritize patient welfare over commercial interests.
Addressing Longstanding Challenges
Nigeria continues to face numerous healthcare challenges, including inadequate funding, shortages of healthcare workers, limited access to essential medicines, and poor infrastructure in many public hospitals.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), strengthening health systems requires sustained investment in healthcare financing, workforce development, infrastructure, and governance.
Medical associations have repeatedly expressed concern over the migration of healthcare professionals, commonly referred to as the “Japa” phenomenon, which has contributed to staffing shortages across public health institutions.
Oseghale observed that improving working conditions through better investments and efficient healthcare management could help retain skilled professionals while enhancing service delivery.
He added that partnerships involving private investors could introduce innovation, improve operational efficiency, and reduce delays in accessing specialized treatments.
Importance of Sustainable Healthcare Financing
Health financing remains one of the biggest obstacles to quality healthcare delivery in Nigeria. Public expenditure on health has consistently fallen below the benchmark recommended under the Abuja Declaration, where African leaders committed to allocating at least 15 percent of annual national budgets to healthcare.
Industry analysts say insufficient funding has slowed infrastructure development, equipment upgrades, and staff recruitment in many government-owned hospitals.
By encouraging responsible private investment, Oseghale believes governments can mobilize additional resources to strengthen healthcare systems without compromising equitable access for vulnerable populations.
He cautioned, however, that PPP initiatives must be carefully designed to ensure affordability, accessibility, and quality standards are maintained.
Improving Patient Outcomes
Beyond infrastructure, experts believe effective collaboration between public institutions and private healthcare providers can improve emergency response systems, digital health services, laboratory capacity, specialist care, and disease surveillance.
Nigeria continues to experience rising cases of non-communicable diseases alongside recurring infectious disease outbreaks, increasing pressure on healthcare facilities nationwide.
Oseghale said strategic partnerships could accelerate investments in medical technology, telemedicine, diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare innovation, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
He further advocated continuous professional development for healthcare workers and stronger regulatory oversight to maintain high clinical standards across both public and private facilities.
Call for Policy Consistency
The outgoing Edo NMA chairman also urged policymakers to develop long-term healthcare strategies that transcend political administrations.
He argued that sustainable reforms require policy consistency, adequate budgetary commitments, effective implementation mechanisms, and continuous engagement with healthcare professionals, private investors, and development partners.
According to him, meaningful healthcare transformation cannot be achieved through isolated interventions but requires coordinated efforts involving governments, professional bodies, civil society organizations, and the private sector.
He encouraged authorities to create an enabling environment that attracts credible healthcare investments while protecting public interest.
A Broader National Conversation
Calls for stronger public-private partnerships have gained momentum across Nigeria as governments seek innovative ways to strengthen healthcare systems amid fiscal constraints.
Several states have increasingly explored PPP arrangements for specialist hospitals, diagnostic centres, health insurance expansion, and medical infrastructure projects.
Healthcare economists argue that when properly regulated, PPP models can complement public investments by improving efficiency, expanding access, and introducing innovation. However, they caution that success depends on robust regulatory frameworks, transparent procurement processes, and effective monitoring to ensure public accountability.
For many healthcare stakeholders, the conversation extends beyond infrastructure to include workforce retention, digital transformation, preventive healthcare, and universal health coverage.
As Dr. Oseghale concludes his tenure leading the Nigerian Medical Association in Edo State, his appeal reinforces a growing consensus within Nigeria’s medical community: sustainable partnerships between government and private stakeholders could play a pivotal role in strengthening the country’s healthcare system and improving the quality of care available to millions of Nigerians.
While PPPs alone may not solve every structural challenge facing the sector, experts believe they represent an important component of broader reforms aimed at delivering accessible, affordable, and high-quality healthcare across the country.
For Nigeria to meet its long-term health development goals, sustained investment, sound governance, professional collaboration, and patient-centred policies will remain indispensable. As governments continue to evaluate healthcare reforms, stakeholders agree that building resilient health systems through strategic partnerships should remain a national priority.
Sources
- Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Edo State Chapter
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Nigeria
- Premium Times
- The Punch
- Vanguard Nigeria
- Daily Trust
- Channels Television
