Private healthcare providers have warned that the proposed National Health Facility Regulatory Agency (NHFRA) Bill could threaten the survival of private hospitals across Nigeria, arguing that some of its provisions may impose excessive regulatory and financial burdens on the sector.
The healthcare providers made the remarks during consultations on the proposed legislation, expressing concern that the bill, if passed in its current form, could increase operating costs and discourage investment in private healthcare services.
According to the providers, private hospitals play a vital role in Nigeria’s healthcare system by complementing public health facilities and expanding access to medical services for millions of Nigerians. They argued that additional regulatory requirements should be carefully balanced to avoid disrupting healthcare delivery.
The stakeholders called on lawmakers to engage more extensively with healthcare professionals, hospital owners and industry associations before finalizing the legislation. They said broad based consultations would help produce a law that strengthens healthcare standards without placing undue pressure on private medical facilities.
They also warned that smaller hospitals and clinics could be particularly vulnerable to the proposed measures, with some potentially forced to scale back operations or close entirely if compliance costs become unsustainable.
The providers emphasized that improving healthcare quality is a shared objective but maintained that regulation should encourage growth, innovation and investment rather than create barriers for service providers.
Supporters of the bill have argued that stronger regulation is necessary to improve patient safety, standardize healthcare services and ensure that health facilities operate in line with national quality standards. They say the proposed agency would enhance oversight and accountability across the sector.
The Federal Government has continued to pursue reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system, expanding access to quality medical services and achieving universal health coverage through improved regulation and collaboration with both public and private stakeholders.
As discussions on the bill continue, healthcare providers have urged the National Assembly to consider amendments that protect patients while preserving the sustainability of private hospitals, which remain a significant source of healthcare delivery and employment across the country.
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