Ashraf, a medical doctor and co-founder of Ashiraaf Hospital in Lokoja, has asserted that private hospitals in Nigeria are not solely driven by profit but also serve a humanitarian purpose. Speaking to BusinessDay on Friday, he emphasized that the decision to seek care at private facilities often hinges on perceived service quality and patient trust in medical professionals. 'This is me speaking for all the private hospitals in the state,' he stated, underscoring the dual nature of these institutions.
The co-founder noted that while private hospitals operate with a business model, their role extends beyond financial gain. In Lokoja, where many patients cannot pay upfront, hospitals often allow individuals to sign documents pledging to settle bills later. 'It is not easy for the masses, nor is it easy for the hospital, but this is how we have been doing it,' Ashraf explained, highlighting the delicate balance between accessibility and operational sustainability.
Ashraf also addressed the practice of doctors referring patients to private hospitals, acknowledging it as a complex issue. 'It is difficult to completely erase it, and it is difficult to say its truth, because it is the patient that will make the choice,' he said. He stressed that patient perception and trust in medical professionals significantly influence healthcare decisions.
On the topic of quackery, Ashraf called on the government to strengthen the Ministry of Health’s efforts to combat unqualified practitioners. He cited factors like inadequate infrastructure and lack of basic amenities as contributors to the problem. 'The government should empower the Ministry of Health to clamp down on quackery,' he urged, warning that unchecked practices could lead to increased morbidity and financial strain on patients and hospitals.
Regarding counterfeit drugs, Ashraf described the issue as a persistent threat to public health. He noted that economic hardship drives patients to purchase cheaper, potentially fake medications, complicating detection efforts. 'Hospitals must be cautious and source drugs from reputable manufacturers,' he said, while praising regulatory agencies like NAFDAC and SON for their role in combating the crisis.
Ashraf emphasized that while private hospitals can promote health education, they lack the authority to enforce laws. 'Governments are the ones that should provide the laws or enforce the laws,' he stated, advocating for stronger regulatory frameworks to address quackery and counterfeit drugs. 'If everyone plays their part, it will help the masses to get the proper medication for their ailment,' he added.
The co-founder’s remarks come amid broader discussions on Nigeria’s healthcare challenges, including the need for improved public-private partnerships and infrastructure development. His insights reflect the growing pressure on both private and public sectors to ensure equitable, safe, and accessible healthcare for all Nigerians.
The article also touches on related issues, such as Kaduna’s out-of-school crisis and private-public collaborations in education, though these were not directly addressed in Ashraf’s comments. These topics underscore the interconnected nature of Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges.
Ashraf’s statements highlight the critical role of policy intervention in addressing systemic healthcare issues. By balancing business operations with humanitarian goals, private hospitals like Ashiraaf aim to navigate the complexities of Nigeria’s healthcare landscape while advocating for stronger governmental support.
The call for government action on quackery and counterfeit drugs aligns with broader public health priorities. Strengthening regulatory oversight and community education could mitigate the risks posed by unqualified practitioners and substandard medications, ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.
Ashraf’s perspective underscores the need for a collaborative approach to healthcare reform. As private institutions continue to serve as vital components of the system, their ability to fulfill both economic and social responsibilities will depend on sustained dialogue and policy innovation between stakeholders.
Private Hospitals Balance Profit and Humanity, Says Ashiraaf Co-Founder