The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners (ANPMP) have identified critical reforms to address the persistent challenges in Nigeria’s healthcare system as the year 2025 draws near. At the forefront of their recommendations is improved universal health coverage, enhanced retention strategies for health workers, and systemic reforms to address Corruption and manpower shortages. NMA President Prof. Bala Audu underlined the importance of enhanced welfare, workplace security, and sufficient equipment in order to guarantee accessible and affordable healthcare for all Nigerians.
He underlined that resolving these challenges would increase healthcare personnel’ performance and raise the standard of care to international standards. The ANPMP’s Lagos State Chairman, Dr. Jonathan Esegine, cited shortage of personnel. With many Nigerian physicians, nurses, and other health professionals looking for better opportunities overseas as a result of inadequate pay and working conditions, the ANPMP emphasized the significance of implementing improved retention methods to prevent brain drain. This may include enhancing the well-being of healthcare professionals, offering competitive pay, and establishing clear paths for career advancement.
Universal health coverage was specifically mentioned.
Specifically, the two groups underlined the exigent need for comprehensive universal health coverage (UHC) to guarantee that all Nigerians have access to high-quality medical treatment without facing financial hardship. They urged for improved healthcare Insurance coverage, particularly in rural and underdeveloped regions. They called for increased government Investment in the health sector, targeting 15% budgetary allocation, and raising public awareness about health insurance. Corruption within the health sector has also been identified as a major impediment that needs to be addressed.
Another urgent issue cited is workplace Security for health workers, as an increase in violence against medical personnel in recent years has deterred many from continuing in the field. The NMA called on the government to prioritize healthcare worker safety and security, especially in high-risk and conflict-prone areas. Lack of proper medical Infrastructure and equipment was mentioned as a barrier to providing high-quality care. Both groups stressed the need for more funding for state-of-the-art equipment and the maintenance of existing facilities.
2024 events give prominence to these recommendations.
These recommendations proposed by the NMA and ANPMP are more important than ever, given the serious healthcare challenges in Nigeria and the various disease outbreaks witnessed in 2024. The shortcomings were starkly apparent when outbreaks of diseases like cholera, Lassa fever, and Diphtheria swept through communities in 2024, overburdened an already fragile health sector. Health emergencies are made more severe by the magnitude of Nigeria’s healthcare disparity, which denies millions of people access to essential services.
Many rural and impoverished communities were left without access to basic medical care, and hospitals and clinics found it difficult to handle the surge of patients. Overburdened facilities hindered emergency care, depriving thousands of people of the prompt care they needed. Devastating outcomes resulted, with preventable deaths highlighting the pressing need for structural changes. Addressing this fragility requires a holistic approach that prioritizes equitable access to healthcare while preparing for the unpredictability of disease outbreaks.
Related Article: Health sector faced disease outbreaks in 2024
Given the huge gap, frequency and severity of disease outbreaks in recent years, the recommendations are not only aspirational; they are a matter worth considering as a national urgency. The health sector must be fortified to withstand future crises, and this requires a collaborative effort from the government, private sector, and international partners. Implementing these reforms will not only bridge the healthcare gap but also safeguard the nation’s Public Health against emergencies and also prepare it to anticipate and respond to emergency challenges.