PPP in health advocates increased private participation

PPP in health advocates increased private participation

Nigeria, with a population of over 160 million in population, faces a huge healthcare need. And even though the government has continued to build and improve on the primary healthcare scheme, the population has remained crossly underserved. With over 60% of the Nigerians estimated to be living below poverty level, majority of the population lack the capability to access quality healthcare services.

The big question now becomes, how does quality healthcare become accessible to ordinary citizens who make up the majority of the population? This was the focus as stakeholders and policy makers gathered recently at a two-day "PPPs (Public Private Partnerships) in Health in Nigeria Conference and Awards 2014", which took place at the Federal Capital Territory Abuja. The conference was tagged, "Connecting the dots: Policy, Practice and Profitability."

The PPPs in Health Nigeria 2014 among others, examined PPP models from other countries with history of successful practice in the healthcare sector. The objective was to evaluate and perhaps use such as a launch pad to scale up primary healthcare delivery around the country. The conference also witnessed an award event which according to the organizers was targeted at providing a reinforcement and advocacy for more and improved PPP contracts in Healthcare.

Pathcare Laboratories, an internationally accredited pathology laboratory, alongside Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Garki Hospital among others, once again emerged winner in the diagnostic segment of the PPP healthcare service providers categories, for providing improved access,  quality,  efficiency and accountability in the public healthcare delivery through its fully established Public Private Partnership (PPP) with the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). Also emerging as winners in the various Categories were General Electric (GE), JNC International, Fidelity Bank and Internation Finance Corporation (IFC).

Mr. Emmanuel Abolo of the PPPs in Health Nigeria, noted that the objective of the award is to recognize Organisations who have played strategic roles in upgrading healthcare infrastructure and services through PPP arrangement. He added that nominations for the awards were based purely on a team of independent assessors. The organizers recognize that to build sustainable healthcare system and infrastructure in the face of growing challenge, Nigeria must embrace informed PPPs as a means of easing the strain on government budget while still providing access to quality services in the healthcare sector.

PPP in healthcare aims to provide  increased accessibility and availability of services to the general public; increased quality and quantity of manpower available for the enormous health challenged faced by Nigerian; and improved primary healthcare services which in turn engenders improve quality of life for the larger society. Most developing countries of the world like Nigeria are therefore creating and reviewing models and frameworks that are suitable for PPPs to thrive having realized the possible benefits to both government and citizens.

Caption:The ‘Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) in Health in Nigeria Conference and Awards 2014' held in Abuja, Nigeria, recently. Photosshows a lineup of some of the awardees holding their plaques at the event. (L-R) Mr. B. Abdallah of General Electronics (GE); Mrs. Clare Omatseye, Managing Director of JNC International; Dr. O. R. Oluwu, mni, Head of PPP Diaspora, Federal Ministry of Health, representing the Minister of Health; and Dr. Tolulope Adewole, Consultant Chemical Pathologist for PathCare Laboratories.