The Minister of health Prof. Osagie Ehanire says the federal government is ready to foster collaboration with the Guild of Medical Directors to address national health challenges.
The Minister stated this during the opening of the Inaugural Leadership and Business summit organized by the GMD in Abuja.
Ehanire who gave private medical practitioners credit for delivery of 70% of health care delivery in Nigeria said the ministry would collaborate with the GMD in the health care reform commitee to overhaul the health care system in Nigeria.
He however lamented that data from private hospitals is not reported in complaiance with the national health act and called on the guild to ensure data completeness to build data that can shape decision making.
The Minister further said efforts are on to come up with a strategy to make Nigeria a producing center for vaccines for covid-19 and other infections. He also disclosed that a national emergency management system is in the offing which will enhance response to emergency and put Nigeria on course with global trend of response.
In his welcome address, the Chairman local organizing commitee of the summit, Dr Biodun Ogungbo expressed delight at the wonderful opportunity presented by the summit for private health care providers to dialogue with government and find a meeting point to enhance health care delivery in Nigeria.
President of the Guild of Medical Directors, Dr Raymond Kuti on his part said the summit is aimed at rubbing minds to bring about workable suggestions for the best health care schemes for their workers. He added that the goals include ” to actively work at upgrading the Nigeria private health care sector such that it becomes the medical hub for the continent and to reduce the volume of medical tourism to the barest minimum”. He lamented the high cost of running private hospitals in Nigeria especially the current cost of diesel which is crippling many businesses.
Former president of the Guild, Dr Charles Cudjoe said the guild has grown significantly and has gained relevance as it is now being called to the table to discuss issues affecting the health sector in Nigeria. He expressed optimism that the discussion at the summit will lead to positive changes in health care delivery in Nigeria.
The four day long summit for medical practitioners had in attendance former minister of health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, permanent secretary ministry of health, Dr Mahmuda Mamman, Permanent secretary ministry of defenceDr Ibrahim Kana, founding father of the GMd, Dr Ebenezer Sonaiya, formed NBA President, J. B Dada (SAN) among other dignataries.
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