The Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners (ANPMP) has called on the Federal Government to extend its electricity tariff subsidy to private hospitals, requesting a 75%-100% subsidy.
This appeal follows the government’s recent decision to grant a 50% subsidy on electricity tariffs for public hospitals, aimed at reducing their operational costs and easing the financial burden on patients.
In a statement by Dr. Kayode Adesola, the National President of ANPMP, and Dr. Debo Adebiyi, the Secretary, emphasized the critical role private hospitals play in Nigeria’s healthcare system.
“Over 40% of our overheads go to energy provision, whether through electricity supplied by DISCOs or self-generated power. Our facilities are facing severe financial strain, and the current subsidy only for public hospitals leaves us at a disadvantage.” said Dr. Adesola.
The ANPMP leaders stressed that private hospitals, which provide about 70% of the country’s healthcare services, are essential to the system’s functioning.
“We have been at the forefront of advocating for energy subsidies for all health facilities, If the government believes that public hospitals need a 50% subsidy, then private hospitals should arguably benefit from a subsidy of between 75% to 100%.”
The statement also noted that many private hospitals have closed in the past 18 months due to rising operational costs and the ongoing brain drain among healthcare workers.
“Private facilities that have served the citizens of this country for over 103 years should not be abandoned now,”
“It is our responsibility to provide humanitarian services, and we need support to continue doing so.” the ANPMP statement read.
The ANPMP urged the government to ensure fairness and equity in its support for the healthcare sector, arguing that extending the electricity subsidy to private hospitals would help maintain their affordability and accessibility for the majority of Nigerians who rely on out-of-pocket payments.
