During a news briefing in Abuja to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the National Hospital, Abuja, Chief Medical Director Prof. Muhammad Mahmud emphasized the hospital’s intention to explore a Public-Private Partnership funding model in order to enhance its operations.
Mahmud highlighted the importance of private funding as a means to supplement government support for hospital projects, adding that achieving optimal functionality does not solely rely on government funding.
“PPP should come in. From our banks to some financial institutions within the country, that would be an easier access to funding into the health care sector.
“We can also collaborate with funding sources out of the country to do that, this PPP could also be public-private, or even private-private funding.
“So, the National Hospital is also looking seriously into such funding and looking for outside donors or philanthropists to assist.
“With this, we are also calling on Nigerians who are well-to-do, or in a position to come to the aid of each of our hospitals and most especially National Hospital because it is the pride of the country,” he said.
The National Hospital, according to Mahmud, is intended to be Nigeria’s premier medical facility, with the goal of becoming a referral center for even the most challenging cases.
However, the hospital faces significant challenges, including the high cost of power generation, which consumes a substantial portion of its revenue. Many of the hospital’s critical equipment require 24/7 electricity to prevent casualties.
Mahmud praised the government’s recent decision to reduce electricity tariffs for hospitals by 50%, calling it “commendable” and a “welcome development.”
Regarding the alleged suspension of services to National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) subscribers, Mahmud clarified that the hospital has never turned away NHIA patients, who make up 70% of their patient base.
However, Mahmud noted that there have been concerns about the tariffs paid by NHIA subscribers, which have not been reviewed in 12 years despite rising costs.
“So, we have never, ever pushed NHIA patients away,” Mahmud emphasized. “Though we know it’s not good enough, we are happy with it because it’s better than where we left.”
The hospital’s 25th-anniversary celebrations began with a thanksgiving service and will continue with a Juma’at prayer and other activities later in the year, Mahmud announced.
