Health

National Hospital Abuja Seeks Public-Private Funding to Boost Healthcare Services

Published

8 months ago

September 3, 2024

The Chief Medical Director of the National Hospital, Abuja, Muhammad Mahmud, has called for a public-private funding model to enhance the hospital’s operations and ensure optimal functionality.

Speaking during a news briefing on Monday in Abuja to mark the hospital’s 25th anniversary, Mr. Mahmud emphasized the need for hospitals to explore alternative funding sources beyond government allocations. He pointed out that relying solely on government funds is not sustainable for the long-term growth and efficiency of healthcare institutions.

“Hospitals do not have to depend on the government to fully fund their projects. Private funding should be seen as a crucial complement to what the government provides,” Mr. Mahmud said. “We need to bring in Public-Private Partnerships (PPP). From our banks to other financial institutions within the country, this would offer easier access to funding for the healthcare sector. We can also explore collaborations with international funding sources. This PPP model could involve public-private or even private-private funding arrangements.”

The National Hospital, according to Mr. Mahmud, is actively seeking such funding avenues and is reaching out to external donors and philanthropists for support. He urged well-meaning Nigerians, particularly those in influential positions, to contribute to the hospital’s development, highlighting its status as a national pride.

Mr. Mahmud also shed light on the hospital’s financial challenges, particularly the high costs associated with power generation. He noted that a significant portion of the hospital’s revenue is spent on electricity, as many critical medical equipment require continuous power to avoid life-threatening situations.

“The recent intervention by the government to reduce electricity tariffs for hospitals by 50 percent is commendable. This reduction is a welcome relief, but more needs to be done to alleviate the financial burden on healthcare facilities,” he added.

Addressing concerns about the alleged suspension of services to National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) subscribers, Mr. Mahmud firmly denied these claims. He clarified that the hospital has never ceased treating NHIA patients and that they continue to constitute a significant portion of the hospital’s clientele.

“Seventy percent of our patients are NHIA subscribers. We have never, ever pushed NHIA patients away,” he stated.

However, Mr. Mahmud acknowledged that there are ongoing challenges related to the tariffs or premiums paid by NHIA subscribers. He explained that these premiums have not been reviewed for 12 years, despite the rising costs of commodities and services.

“The premiums paid by subscribers do not reflect the current economic realities, which has made it increasingly difficult for hospitals to cover the costs of providing care,” Mr. Mahmud said.

He called for an urgent review of NHIA premiums to align them with present-day economic conditions, ensuring that hospitals can continue to provide quality healthcare without compromising their financial stability.

Health

FG Boosts Nursing Enrollment to 115,000 to Bridge Healthcare Gap

Published

2 days ago

April 28, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Ifeoluwa Odunayo

In a major move to tackle Nigeria’s growing healthcare workforce shortage, the Federal Government has increased the annual enrollment of nursing students from 28,000 to 115,000.

The announcement was made on April 28, 2025, by the Federal Ministry of Education, highlighting the government’s commitment to strengthening the healthcare and education sectors under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The surge, surpassing the original target of 110,000 students, is the result of collaboration between the Ministries of Education and Health & Social Welfare.

The milestone was achieved thanks to the leadership of Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, and support from industry experts, the Nigerian Council of Nurses and Midwifery, and teaching hospitals.

Health

Battle Against Malaria Gains New Fire

Published

2 days ago

April 28, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Oso Abidemi

Determined to stamp out malaria, major health organizations stormed the University of Lagos with a sweeping campaign of education, free testing, and drug distribution.

Themed “Malaria Ends with Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite,” the outreach united Green Life Pharmaceuticals, Green Life Hospital, Seagreen Pharmaceutical, and Clearline HMO in a powerful push to fight the disease that continues to ravage communities across Nigeria.

Hundreds of students and residents turned up for free malaria tests, prevention kits, and vital health education. Organizers stressed the urgent need for community action, with a special focus on empowering young people to drive change.

Peter Nwosu, Executive Director of Green Life Pharmaceuticals, described the campaign as more than a symbolic gesture.

“We are here not just to mark a day but to make a real difference,” he declared, calling for sustained efforts against the deadly scourge.

Speaking for Clearline HMO, Dr. Oghenerukevwe Peretomode warned that climate change is fueling malaria through flooding and rising temperatures.

She called for stronger government support, innovation, and personal responsibility, urging Nigerians to use treated nets and maintain clean surroundings.

Chris Ikeagu, General Manager of Green Life Hospital, said the choice of UNILAG was deliberate.

“Youth are the key to this battle. They will take the message home,” he said, stressing that early detection and treatment remain vital weapons in the fight.

The event stood as a fresh rallying call for Nigerians to take the malaria fight personally, seriously, and urgently.

Health

Media Champions Demand Action on Vaccines

Published

3 days ago

April 27, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Oso Abidemi

As nations mark the 2025 World Immunization Week, media practitioners across southern Nigeria have issued a resounding call for governments to urgently invest in vaccines and protect citizens from preventable diseases.

Speaking during a two-day multi-zonal dialogue organized by UNICEF in Enugu, journalists from twelve states pledged to intensify monitoring of immunization efforts, particularly in rural areas.

“The event spotlighted this year’s campaign theme: “Immunization for All is Humanly Possible.”

UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office in Enugu, Mrs Juliet Chiluwe, stressed that vaccines remain one of humanity’s greatest victories, saving over 154 million lives in the past fifty years.

She warned that rising vaccine-preventable diseases stem largely from government complacency and called for renewed political commitment and funding for immunization programs.

“Vaccines have proven that fewer diseases and more saved lives are achievable when we invest,” Chiluwe said. “It is time to show the world that immunization for all is truly possible.”

Director General of the Broadcasting Corporation of Abia State, Francis Nwubani, echoed the appeal, urging journalists to use their platforms to boost vaccination campaigns and reduce child mortality.

The dialogue ended with strong resolutions for continuous media engagement to drive home the message that no life should be lost to diseases that vaccines can prevent.