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Private doctors sound alarm on healthcare crisis, urge Tinubu to act

Private doctors sound alarm on healthcare crisis, urge Tinubu to act

Urgent Call for Government Action to Avert Health Sector Collapse

The Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners has issued a strong appeal, urging President Bola Tinubu and all concerned citizens to take immediate action to prevent a potential collapse in the nation’s healthcare system. This call comes after the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, signaling an impending crisis.

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The Crisis Unfolds

The NMA raised concerns over a controversial circular issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission. This document, dated June 27, 2025, with reference number SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646, outlines revised allowances for medical and dental officers in the federal public service. According to the NMA, this circular violates prior agreements and has sparked widespread discontent among medical professionals.

The ANPMP, as a constituent of the NMA, fully supports the ultimatum. It warns that ignoring the current situation could lead to a deeper crisis affecting both public and private healthcare sectors.

A System on the Brink

The association expressed deep concern over the state of the Nigerian healthcare system, which is described as being on the verge of collapse. The exodus of skilled professionals due to poor working conditions has left health institutions severely understaffed. Doctors who remain are overburdened and underpaid, leading to burnout and early retirements.

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This trend is not limited to the public sector. Private practitioners also feel the impact, as they draw from the same talent pool. Any strike by public sector doctors would further strain an already fragile system, causing significant hardship for patients across both sectors.

The Consequences of Strikes

Strikes not only disrupt essential services but also contribute to the permanent loss of healthcare personnel. Many doctors use such opportunities to emigrate, exacerbating the existing shortage of health workers in Nigeria. In contrast, progressive nations prioritize healthcare and education, investing heavily in these sectors. However, Nigeria continues to underinvest, leading to a brain drain that affects the entire country.

Demands for Immediate Action

In response to these challenges, the ANPMP urges the government to address the 18-point demands outlined in the NMA’s press release. These demands include comprehensive reforms to improve the healthcare system and retain skilled professionals.

Additionally, the association calls for the extension of the constitution and revitalization of management boards beyond tertiary hospitals. This should include critical health institutions such as the National Health Insurance Authority and the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria. These boards play a vital role in ensuring accountability, efficiency, and improved governance within the healthcare sector.

A Call for Proactive Engagement

The ANPMP emphasizes the need for proactive engagement from the government rather than reactive measures. It criticizes the tradition of last-minute negotiations, often held on the eve of industrial actions. Delays in addressing these issues will only worsen the suffering of ordinary Nigerians.

The association concludes by urging the government to seize this moment to restore trust, uphold prior agreements, and take meaningful steps to preserve and revitalize Nigeria’s healthcare system. The time for action is now.