No fewer than 50% of private hospitals in Nigeria have shut down, with those remaining struggling to survive amid escalating operating costs.
The Guild of Medical Directors has raised concerns about the increasing financial burdens threatening the sustainability of healthcare facilities nationwide.
In an interview with Sunday PUNCH, Dr. Raymond Kuti, President of the GMD, emphasized that private hospitals are facing difficulties in covering operational expenses, particularly in electricity and medical supplies. He noted that the decline in patient patronage has worsened the situation, pushing many hospitals to the brink of collapse.
“Averagely, three out of six private hospitals are shutting down every month in Nigeria, driven primarily by the challenging economic environment,” Kuti explained. He highlighted that running costs have significantly escalated, especially for Band A facilities, which now incur higher energy expenses than in previous years.
Kuti, also Chief Medical Director at Prisms Health Care Limited, pointed out that most medical consumables are imported, and the current exchange rate has led to a 500% increase in their costs.
The crisis is further exacerbated by a workforce shortage as many young healthcare professionals are leaving the country for better opportunities—a phenomenon known as “japa.” This exodus has resulted in significant staff shortages, complicating care provision in remaining hospitals.
Moreover, Kuti observed a troubling trend in patient behavior; many individuals are hesitant to seek medical treatment and often resort to self-medication or local remedies due to the economic downturn. “People are struggling to afford healthcare, leading to delays in seeking necessary medical attention,” he stated.
To tackle these pressing issues, Kuti called for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s healthcare system and emphasized the urgent need for government intervention to support the private hospital sector, which is essential for providing medical services to a significant portion of the population. “We need the government to recognize our challenges and provide the necessary support to ensure that private hospitals can continue to operate and serve the community,” he urged.
