PSHAN CEO on how Nigeria can reposition its healthcare delivery

Nigeria's healthcare sector has long faced challenges due to underinvestment and a high burden of disease, both communicable and non-communicable. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated these issues, making it harder for the country to provide quality healthcare services. Tinuola Akinbolagbe, CEO of the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria, is working towards repositioning healthcare delivery in the country. The alliance serves as a platform for the organized private sector to collectively influence policies and address healthcare challenges. A key initiative they are driving is the Adopted Healthcare Facility Program, aimed at establishing international standard primary healthcare centers in all 774 local governments of Nigeria. This initiative marks a significant effort to improve the accessibility and quality of healthcare services across the country. The funding for these centers will come from a sustainable funding model that balances altruistic intentions with economic sustainability. The alliance is engaging with the government to discuss incentives for private sector involvement in healthcare infrastructure, such as concessions on levies and taxes in exchange for contributions to the health sector. The project is set to roll out over the next five to six years, divided into four phases with the first phase already underway. With a structured timeline and clear goals, the Private Sector Health Alliance's plan holds promise in positively impacting Nigeria's healthcare landscape.