The Primary Health Centre in Nigeria is as relevant as ever before. The current state of the Primary Health Centre system in Nigeria requires urgent attention with only about 20% of the 30,000 facilities across Nigeria working[i]. Access to qualitative, affordable healthcare remains a challenge in Nigeria for a large majority of the population who are rural dwelling, low-income earners. For most Nigerians, the Primary Health Centre is the first point of contact with the health care system. It is the level at which short-term, uncomplicated health issues should be resolved. With the gaps militating against healthcare and national productivity, The Adopt-A-Healthcare-Facility Program was conceptualized by the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria, with the primary aim of adopting and standardizing at least one Primary Healthcare Centre (Primary Health Centre) to world class level in each of the 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Nigeria.
The ADHFP is a platform for collaboration, communication, and effective change by multiple stakeholders. Funds and resources are pooled through collaborations and leveraging the public-private sector dynamic, from willing sources and partnerships to facilitate the renewal of primary healthcare in Nigeria. The formal launch of the ADHFP took place on the 10th of November 2022 in Lagos, Nigeria.
The event opened new frontiers and opportunities for public-private partnerships and the highlights are provided below:
Impact of socioeconomic development on Primary Healthcare Centers (Primary Health Center) revitalization in Nigeria:
1. The socioeconomic situation of the country was one of the greatest contextual impediments affecting the development of Primary Health in Nigeria. In disaggregating this socio-economic impediment, the factors considered include:
- Low budgetary allocation to health due to the shrinking economy and several competing priorities of the government.
- The poor state of infrastructure observable in most of the Primary Health Centers across the country
- High out-of-pocket expenditure which places qualitative care out of the reach of those who need it.
- Low trust in public health systems which further compromises access to care.
- Migration of health workers arising from poor remuneration and the desire of existing workers Low uptake
- Low uptake of services due to high out of pocket payment and low coverage of health insurance.
2. Critical areas for improvement were identified as Improvement in health worker retention with a reduction in rural-urban disparities.
- Infrastructure upgrade of health facilities to meet the minimum standards of care
- Strengthened governance and accountability mechanisms of state and local governments to ensure Primary Health Center reform.
- Government commitment to expanding coverage of citizens under social health insurance as well as incentivizing health workers will improve the demand and supply of primary healthcare
The role of the Private Sector in ensuring the sustainability of Primary Health Centers.
- Government has a pivotal role in the provision of health care for all its citizens however, the government alone is incapable of sufficient financing and implementing and sustaining Primary Health Center reform.
- The Private sector has a key role in supporting the government through resource mobilization to improve health outcomes. The private sector collaboration with government can create a nexus, that improves the health indices of Nigerian more sustainably and more equitably, building on previous successful collaborations. By building on evidence and lessons from previous collaborations, efficiencies can be created, and resources can be more efficiently utilized
Recommendations
- Though the government has provided a strong regulatory framework for primary healthcare by the provision of the necessary guidelines and policies for the establishment of functional Primary Health Centers, the contribution from the private sector is pivotal to achieving UHC 2030.
- To ensure the success of private sector initiatives in health such as the ADHFP, robust agreements which consider the changing political and economic climate should be entered into by private and public sector entities. This safeguards initiatives in the event of a change in governments and economic upheaval.
Panelist and Keynote Speakers
- Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON– His Excellency, Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
- Dr. Ibrahim Oloriegbe–Chairman, Senate Committee on Health
- Dr. Osagie Ehanire, CON–Honorable Minister of Health, Nigeria
- Dr. Faisal Shuaib, OON–Executive Director, National Primary Health Center Development Agency
- Prof. Mohammed Nasir Sambo–DG, National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA)
- Professor Akin Abayomi–Honorable Commissioner for Health, Lagos State
- Dr. Isamotu Rafiu Olasunkanmi– Honorable Commissioner of Health, Osun State Senator
- Alhaji Aliko Dangote, GCON–Chairman, Aliko Dangote Group
- Mr. Jim Ovia, CFR, CON–Chairman, Zenith Bank Plc
- Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate–Founder Chigari Foundation
- Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, FCIB, CON– Chairman & Co-Founder, Aig Imoukhuede Foundation
- Mr. Herbert Wigwe– Chairman & Founder The Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe Foundation
- Ms. Zouera Youssoufou–Managing Director/CEO Dangote Foundation
- Dr. Titilayo Fowokan – Group Head, Strategic Tax and Compliance, Dangote Industries Limited
- Mrs. Omobolanle Victor-Laniyan – Head of Sustainability at Access Corporation
- Dr. Jeremy Zoungrana–Country Director, BMGF
- Dr. Mories Atoki (Hon.)–CEO, ABC Health
- Dr. (Mrs.) Olayemi Dawodu–MD/CEO, Lancet Laboratories Nigeria
- Dr. Olumide Okunola–Senior Health Specialist, IFC
- Mrs. Vivianne Ihekweazu–MD, Nigeria Health Watch
[i] Twenty-four years after the leadership of Professor Olikoye Ransome-Kuti, the need to strengthen the PRIMARY HEALTH CENTER in Nigeria is relevant as ever before.
