Dr. Makinde Akinlemibola, the immediate past Chairman of the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners (ANPMP), Lagos Branch, has emphasized the importance of health insurance for the survival of Nigeria’s healthcare sector, especially amid the nation’s current economic challenges.
Speaking at the association’s recent Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos, Akinlemibola noted that healthcare is often the first casualty in a struggling economy, underscoring the need for an effective health insurance scheme to ensure the poor have access to quality healthcare.
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Akinlemibola explained that health insurance enables resource pooling between the wealthy and the less privileged, ensuring that those who cannot afford healthcare are still able to receive medical attention. Additionally, he pointed out that health insurance provides stability for practitioners, allowing them to predict their monthly income, plan for quality patient care, and adequately manage staff.
Addressing the role of technology in healthcare, Akinlemibola stressed that the cost of digital operations is prohibitive for many practitioners. However, he argued that health insurance can provide a consistent income stream, making it easier for healthcare providers to invest in digital infrastructure.
“Digital healthcare is capital-intensive, and only about 10 percent of practitioners can currently afford it,” Akinlemibola said. “Health insurance gives practitioners a clear idea of their monthly income, enabling them to allocate funds towards technological advancements.”
The theme of the AGM, “Quality Health-care Delivery in a Resource-Constrained Nation,” highlighted the challenges faced by Nigeria’s healthcare sector in 2024, particularly in terms of funding. Akinlemibola called for increased private sector involvement in healthcare funding, stating that reliance on government and non-governmental organizations alone is unsustainable.
He emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to improve healthcare delivery in Nigeria, urging private stakeholders to step up in addressing the financial challenges facing the sector.
