The Guild of Medical Directors (GMD) has raised concerns about the financial crisis impacting Nigeria’s private healthcare sector, reporting that over 50% of private hospitals have closed, with the rest struggling to stay open.
In an interview, GMD President Dr. Raymond Kuti shared that hospitals are grappling with soaring costs for essentials like electricity and medical supplies, pushing many to the brink of closure.
“On average, three out of six private hospitals shut down each month in Nigeria due to economic challenges,” Dr. Kuti explained, noting that operational expenses, especially for energy and imported medical consumables, have risen by as much as 500%, severely affecting high-tier hospitals.
Dr. Kuti, who is also the Chief Medical Director at Prisms Health Care Limited, told *Punch* that declining patient visits and the “japa” trend—where young healthcare professionals migrate for better opportunities—have deepened the crisis, causing staff shortages and prompting people to delay or avoid seeking medical care, often turning to self-medication or local remedies due to financial constraints.
Calling for immediate action, Dr. Kuti urged the government to support private hospitals, emphasizing their crucial role in Nigeria’s healthcare system. “We need the government to acknowledge the challenges we face and provide essential support to help private hospitals continue to serve our communities,” he stated.
