The Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN), a not-for-profit, business-led organisation founded to improve Nigeria’s healthcare system has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the MTN Foundation (MTNF) to revitalise 52 primary healthcare centres (PHCs) across the country.
The signing ceremony was to formalise the partnership between the Foundation and PSHAN towards strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare value chain at the grassroots level. Similarly, the partnership plans to spend N2.2 billion on community development to upgrade PHCs under the “What Can We Do Together” (WCWDT) initiative.
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The Nigerian healthcare industry is facing challenges associated with outbound medical tourism, deteriorating medical infrastructure, low government budget allocation, poor compensation, and subsequent emigration of skilled healthcare workers.
“In implementing this nationwide program, PSHAN and MTN Foundation play pivotal roles, showcasing a collaborative approach to healthcare improvement in Nigeria. MTN Foundation’s commitment to 52 selected PHCs across Nigeria underscores their commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure and services across all geopolitical zones,” Tinuola Akinbolagbe, MD/CEO, PSHAN, said during the signing ceremony in Lagos.
Akinbolagbe said that the partnership aimed at ensuring a positive impact at the grassroots level. According to her, the careful selection of PHCs involved a thorough assessment, considering factors like functionality, staffing adequacy, facility visits, security, accessibility, and structure.
She disclosed that among the initial 52 PHCs chosen for immediate revitalisation by the Foundation in collaboration with PSHAN, are locations in Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Jigawa, Kogi, and Rivers states.
According to her, the selections were made based on alignment with outlined criteria to ensure that revitalised facilities meet the program’s mission of supporting those most in need of healthcare services.
Odunayo Sanya, executive director, MTN Foundation, said that the foundation is committed to improving healthcare service in Nigeria, leveraging the ‘What Can We Do Together’ initiative as a vehicle to invest in upgrading PHCs since 2015.
According to her, private sector players must pull their weight and resources to safeguard the health of Nigerians, considering the challenges Nigerians face in regard access to healthcare.
“Today, we make history as two organizations come together to push the sustainable agenda. PSHAN brings strong competencies to ensure sustainability and improve the impact of this initiative,” Sanya said.
PSHAN leads private sector players of the economy in mobilising resources and capabilities to provide accessible, affordable, and first-rate healthcare solutions to Nigerians. Recognising that the government cannot do it alone, PSHAN adopts a coordinated, nationwide multi-stakeholder approach to create transformative health outcomes.
The partnership aims to upgrade primary healthcare centres across Nigeria, with the MTN Foundation planning to renovate 52 PHCs by June, 2024. While the MTN Foundation will commit to upgrading and equipping the facilities, PSHAN will ensure the projects’ sustainability and that they deliver a lasting impact on the communities.
