Meningitis: Medical directors urge partnership with private sector

The Guild of Medical Directors, FCT chapter, has called for public-private partnership in tackling the recent meningitis, and other diseases outbreak in the country. Chairman of the branch, Dr Chito Nwana made the call yesterday in Abuja while briefing newsmen on the response to the disease.  She said many Nigerians usually go to private medical […]

The Guild of Medical Directors, FCT chapter, has called for public-private partnership in tackling the recent meningitis, and other diseases outbreak in the country.

Chairman of the branch, Dr Chito Nwana made the call yesterday in Abuja while briefing newsmen on the response to the disease. 

She said many Nigerians usually go to private medical facilities when they fall ill, adding that it was usually the first point of contact for patients with infectious diseases like meningitis.

While commending public health officials and non-governmental organizations for their response to the disease so far, she said the private sector was key in battling the condition as well as its management and public awareness.

“The private sector is a very strong part of our health system, and this is a good time and way to figure out how the private and public sector can work together to battle the things that are ailing our nation,” she said.

The chairman also called on government to make it conducive for private health practioners to practice saying that multiple taxations experienced by private practioners for instance may make some of them lose focus and hamper quality of service delivery.

She said the association was also working with regulators like the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria to rid the country of quacks and ensure standards.

“It is not just about being licensed but also ensuring standards and doing the right thing, because some people can be licensed yet engage in illegal activities,” she said.