Dr. Ayodele Cole Benson has launched a new private-led initiative aimed at transforming the way healthcare is delivered in Nigeria. As the Convener of the recently established Impact Health Care Group (IHG), he announced the plan during a stakeholder meeting held in Abuja. The initiative aims to address key problems in the system, reduce the high cost of healthcare, and make quality services more accessible to the public.
Dr. Benson explained that the current system is expensive mainly because many providers work separately in small units. To address this, the IHG will roll out a three-stage plan. First, healthcare providers in the group will collaborate financially. Then, they will begin sharing operations. The final stage will see them fully united under a single corporate structure.
To support this effort, IHG will introduce a discount scheme allowing patients to save at least 10% on healthcare services within its network. The group also plans to launch a private-sector health insurance system to help more people afford care.
Stakeholders at the event agreed that the initiative could help reduce the number of Nigerians seeking treatment abroad, a practice that costs the country around $1 billion each year. They believe the collective strategy could keep medical funds in the country and improve local services.
Government support was also announced. Dr. Abdu Mukhtar, National Coordinator of the Presidential Unlocking Healthcare Value-Chain Initiative, said the IHG aligns with national health reform goals. Speaking through Dr. Nasir Mohammed, he emphasized the importance of the private sector in building a robust healthcare system and positioning Nigeria as a leader in Africa.
Backing from lawmakers also came during the event. Senator Dr. Samaila Dahuwa Kaila, Deputy Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, promised full legislative support. He revealed plans to introduce a bill that will focus on the registration of private healthcare groups. According to him, the bill will be submitted once the National Assembly resumes on the 17th of the month.
The event closed with a strong message of unity between the government and the private sector. With support from both sides, the Impact Health Care Group could become a significant step forward in Nigeria’s path to affordable and reliable healthcare for all.
