The introduction of Very Important Personality (VIP) clinics in teaching hospitals around Nigeria has sparked worries from medical specialists who contend that the poor will not be able to pay healthcare due to the presence of these clinics. Alternatively, they might promote domestic Medical Tourism and lessen the need for affluent Nigerians and government employees to travel outside for care. The experts point out that rather than building private institutions for the wealthy, funds would be better spent on enhancing public hospitals. These conversations are the result of the government’s proposal to build a VIP clinic at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital.
At a press conference for the 2024 International Investment Summit, Chief Medical Director Dr. Steven Hwande revealed the impending opening of this clinic. Nigeria’s healthcare system is underdeveloped, and the majority of the population pays for medical treatments out of pocket. Because health Insurance is optional, the country’s participation rate in health insurance is very low. The country’s 2024 budget for healthcare allotted just 4.6% of the total, a significant decrease from the 2001 Abuja Declaration’s 15% pledge. Medical experts contend that VIP clinics take funds away from improvements to public healthcare and fail to meet the requirements of the broader public.
Access to healthcare in Nigeria is still very difficult.
They emphasize that every citizen should have access to high-quality, reasonably priced healthcare. Similar arrangements, such as the VIP clinic at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, serve the wealthy rather than the typical Nigerian, according to Dr. Isaiah Abali, Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association’s Abia State chapter. A Public Health physician named Dr. Ovie Efekodo stated that while VIP wings are common in hospitals, they have little effect on the heath indicators of regular people. However, over time, they may reroute money spent overseas back into the local economy.
In Nigeria, getting access to healthcare is still very difficult. With only about 4 doctors per 10,000 people as of 2021, Nigeria has one of the lowest doctor-to-patient ratios in the world, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The majority of Nigerians must pay for medical care out of pocket because the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) only covers only 5% of the country’s population. The fact that around 40% of the population is impoverished adds to this financial load.
Focus should be on creating a strong accessible healthcare system.
Former Director-General of the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, stated: “Improving health outcomes for all demographic groups requires investing in public healthcare facilities. VIP clinics should not take away from the vital services that the general public needs, even while they are helpful in lowering outbound medical tourism.” The focus should be on creating a strong healthcare system that is available to everyone, stressed healthcare entrepreneur and co-founder of RxAll, Adebayo Alonge. If properly managed and funded independently, VIP clinics and improvements in public health can coexist.”
Lagos educator Maryam Adebisi stated, “I’m worried that public hospitals would continue to suffer, even though VIP clinics may generate revenue. Basic healthcare facilities that are accessible to everybody, not just the wealthy, are necessary.” “It’s good that rich people can get treated here and not abroad, but what about us?” said Abuja cab driver John Okeke. Accessible, reasonably priced healthcare is what we require.” On the other hand, VIP clinics might offer a number of financial benefits.
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These clinics can aid in keeping large sums of money in Nigeria by drawing affluent Nigerians who might otherwise travel elsewhere for treatment. The Infrastructure and healthcare services provided locally can be enhanced by this financial input. VIP clinics can also increase employment in the Healthcare Industry and allied fields like hospitality and logistics, which will benefit the Economy as a whole. Additionally, the existence of cutting-edge medical facilities can encourage collaborations with foreign healthcare professionals and draw in more funding for the nation’s healthcare system.