The Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners has formally requested the Federal Government to broaden its electricity tariff subsidy to include private hospitals, seeking a subsidy range of 75% to 100%.
This appeal follows the government’s recent initiative to provide a 50% subsidy on electricity tariffs for public hospitals, aimed at reducing operational costs and alleviating patient financial burdens.
This was disclosed in a statement by the National President of ANPMP, Dr. Kayode Adesola and the Secretary, Dr. Debo Adebiyi, according to Nairametrics.
“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 extending the subsidy to these facilities is vital for maintaining their role and effectiveness in the national healthcare landscape.
“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%,” ANPMP leaders stated.
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.
ANPMP emphasized the need for fairness and equity in healthcare sector support.
They argued that extending the electricity subsidy to private hospitals is crucial for maintaining their affordability and accessibility.
Many colleges and hospitals across Nigeria have expressed serious concern over a recent surge in electricity tariffs, which has significantly increased the financial burden on these institutions. Already grappling with various challenges in delivering essential services, these facilities are now facing added strain due to higher energy costs.
The proposed 50% subsidy, announced by Minister of State for Health Tunji Alausa at the National Neo-Psychiatric Hospital in Barnawa, Kaduna State.
