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…As AMLSN President, Odionyenma, commends ANPMP members’ commitment to healthcare delivery excellence
From Tony John
Rivers State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with private medical practitioners to improve healthcare delivery across the state and Nigeria at large.
Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, reaffirmed this during the 48th Annual General Meeting and International Scientific Conference of the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners (ANPMP) held at the Dr Obi Wali International Conference Centre in Port Harcourt.
Prof. Odu commended members of the association for their resilience and critical contributions to healthcare delivery, noting that private practitioners cater to an estimated 60 to 70 percent of Nigeria’s population.
The deputy governor described the conference theme, “Enhancing Healthcare Delivery in Nigeria: The Role of Private Medical Practitioners,” as timely, and emphasized the growing importance of private sector participation in addressing evolving health challenges.
She highlighted the risks faced by practitioners, including incidents of kidnapping and attacks, describing their sacrifices as vital to sustaining healthcare services nationwide.
Odu reiterated the Governor Siminalayi Fubara-led administration’s commitment to policies that promote quality healthcare, attract investment, and create an enabling environment for medical practitioners to thrive.
She noted that sustained partnerships between the public and private sectors remain key to building a resilient and inclusive healthcare system.
Odu also spotlighted the State Government’s health insurance initiative, the Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP), which collaborates with private health facilities to expand access to care.
According to her, through the scheme, several medical procedures, including surgeries, have been successfully funded in partnership with private providers.
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The deputy governor urged participants at the conference to leverage the platform for meaningful dialogue, knowledge sharing, and the development of practical solutions to challenges confronting the healthcare system.
She expressed optimism that deliberations at the conference would translate into actionable strategies to enhance healthcare delivery across Nigeria.
In his address, the National President of the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners, Kay Adesola, said that over the last four years, the association had recorded a new tariff structure, a renewed framework, and restored a sense of dignity for private practitioners across the country.
He stressed that beyond policies, the outgoing executive also strengthened institutions and built structures that would outlive them.
The president said: “Today, we celebrate a breakthrough that once seemed impossible – a new tariff structure, a renewed framework and a restored sense of dignity for private practitioners across Nigeria.
“That victory does not belong to one person. It belongs to ANPMP. But, beyond policy wins, we laid the foundation. We strengthened our institutions. We redefined our governance systems. We built structures that will outlive personalities.
“From the Strategic Conference Planning Framework to the gradual transformation of our National Secretariat, these are not just projects, they are legacies.”
Adesola added: “We expanded our voice. From national policy tables to international platforms, ANPMP is no longer sidelined. We are one in the room where decisions are made.”
Also speaking, the chairman of the occasion, Innocent Ekwem, decried the state of the health system and urged participants to seize the opportunity of the conference to come up with ideas that would turn around the health institutions.
In a goodwill message, National President of the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), Dr Uche Odionyenma, who was represented by Professor Kingsley Okpara, Rivers State University, while acknowledging the vital role which members of ANPMP play in advancing healthcare delivery in Nigeria, he said: “Our professions are intricately linked, and I believe that our collaboration and partnership are essential in providing quality healthcare services to the Nigerian people.
“Private medical practice remains the cornerstone of primary healthcare in Nigeria and the delivery of excellent private care is sine qua non to the achievement of SDG3 goals and realization of the Hon. Minister’s Four Point Agenda in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President.
“I wish on behalf of Medical Laboratory Scientists across Nigeria, to express my sincere solidarity with your association and commend your commitment to excellence in healthcare delivery.”
