Data accuracy, private sector engagement to improve healthcare delivery in Nigeria – Experts

Health experts said data accuracy and private sector involvement are essential impetus needed to ensure effective healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

During the recently concluded annual conference of the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN) in Lagos, stakeholders said access to borehole survey data will help the government in planning and allocating necessary healthcare investments, which will translate into better and affordable healthcare.

They also said that increasing the role of the private sector in the delivery of healthcare services will help Nigerians access quality healthcare at affordable prices.

According to them, countries that have engaged the private sector in the delivery of health care services have been able to unlock the innovative potential of such a sector, thereby increasing transparency and accountability, which translates into the efficiency and effectiveness of health care delivery services.

“Public-private partnerships (PPPs) can accelerate the development and maintenance of healthcare infrastructure,” said Tayo Aduloju, CEO of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG).

He added that private sector providers can introduce innovative technologies, improve management practices and implement cost controls, leading to greater efficiency of the health care system.

Aduloju noted that Nigeria’s high expenditure on health care, borne directly by citizens, hinders the development of risk pools and discourages private investment.

He stated that out-of-pocket payments are the least efficient and inclusive financing method.

Speaking on the topic, “Harnessing Private Sector Solutions for Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria,” Aduloju explained that PPP can reduce waiting times and increase access to healthcare services in underserved areas.

He added that PPP can enhance the capacity of the public sector by leveraging the expertise, experience and efficiency of the private sector.

“Private partners can also shoulder some of the financial and operational risks, protecting governments from cost overruns,” he said.

Nicole Spieker, CEO of the PharmAccess Foundation, said health insurance should be viewed as a social activity that requires cooperation between the public and private sectors.

She encouraged stakeholders to look for ways to engage businesses and banks in health care investments, pointing out that technology has the potential to promote universal health care in Nigeria.

“Private health insurers need capital to grow, and the use of technology can create services for lower-income groups,” Spieker said.

Tinuola Akinbolagbe, Managing Director of PSHAN, said her company plays a key role in promoting the involvement of the private sector in healthcare delivery, given its contribution to over 70 percent of Nigerian healthcare.

Akinbolagbe said the government must use accurate data backed by research to make informed decisions.

Iyadunni Olubode, director of MSD’s Nigerian programmes, said 60 per cent of Nigerians access healthcare through the private sector.

According to her, the public sector alone cannot meet the healthcare needs of Nigerians.

“Collaboration between the public and private sectors in a blended healthcare system is the only way to achieve UHC in Nigeria,” Olubode said.

She added that the private sector provides innovation, efficiency, access and sometimes investment and therefore needs support.

“The private sector needs access to finance to provide the healthcare they want. Just as citizens need demand-side finance, healthcare is a business that also requires supply-side finance,” she added.