FG, GMD, Stakeholders parley to achieve Universal Health Coverage

The Federal Government is poised to strengthen its
partnership with the Guild of Medical Directors, Stakeholders and
other Health Providers to strengthen the collaborative efforts of
Medical Health practitioners in order to achieve Universal Health
Coverage (UHC) in the country.

The Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire said this
in Abuja during the 25^th Annual General Meeting and
Scientific Conference of the National Guild of Medical Directors,
with the theme “Achieving Universal Coverage” and sub-theme
“Rethinking of Business Model for Private Practice in Nigeria”.

Dr. Ehanire who was represented by Dr. Sani Nasir
Gwazo, a Director in the Minister’s office stated that it is
worrisome that patients have almost lost confidence in the
country’s medical system, consequently, “they prefer traveling
abroad to seek medical attention, though, it is capital
intensive.’’ This continues despite the good hospitals and
qualified Medical Doctors in Nigeria.

He therefore charged the Guild of Medical Directors to
explore, articulate and discuss extensively on how health providers
can renew the trust and confidence of health beneficiaries so as to
stem medical tourism and stimulate Nigeria economy.

Speaking earlier, the National President of the Guild,
Professor Olufemi Dokun Babalola,  said one of the objectives
of the GMD, is to advance the provision of quality health care
delivery in private medical clinics and hospitals, to encourage the
business of private health care providers and to create a forum for
interactions among professionally qualified medical directors.

Prof. Babalola stated that Nigeria is facing
challenges in delivering affordable and quality health care
services to Nigerians, but assured that at the end of their
meeting, they would be able to come up with practical solutions
which would be recommended to the Honourable Minister of Health for
further study and implementation.

The National President noted that many of their
clinics are blazing trails in areas of orthopedics, neurosurgery
cardiology, ophthalmology and urology including kidney
transplanting, as well as other areas. He said that time would come
when it will no longer be necessary for Nigerians to travel abroad
for advanced health care services.