We Get More Dead Bodies Than Patients, We Can’t Afford It – Medical Practitioners on Minimum Wage

The Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners (ANPMP) has raised alarms about the dire state of private healthcare in Nigeria, attributing the crisis to the country's severe economic downturn.

This situation has led to a troubling increase in self-medication among Nigerians, resulting in critical health issues such as organ failure and an alarming number of deaths. Consequently, morgues are becoming overcrowded while hospital beds remain largely unoccupied.

Dr. Odia Festus Ihongbe, Chairman of ANPMP, highlighted these concerns in an interview, stating, "We get more dead bodies than patients." He explained that many individuals only seek medical help when their conditions become critical, often expecting miraculous interventions.

The economic challenges have also made it impossible for private hospitals to pay the recently approved N70,000 minimum wage, as they struggle with poor revenue and skyrocketing costs of essential drugs and equipment due to the forex crisis.

Despite providing 80% of healthcare services in Nigeria, private hospitals receive minimal government support. Dr. Odia lamented, "They do more lip service than giving us required attention," emphasizing the need for a functioning national health insurance system, which has been ineffective for over two decades. He warned that without major improvements, private hospitals might cease patient care altogether.

The ANPMP's call for governmental intervention and a robust health insurance framework is crucial to prevent the collapse of Nigeria's private healthcare sector. As Dr. Odia pointed out, "If health insurance is working and the government is paying when they are supposed to pay, the hospital will be able to settle these bills."