Lower import duties key to healthcare access, says Clearview

By Sola Ogundipe

The Federal Government has been urged to reduce import duties and other costs associated with medical equipment, while improving healthcare funding and the welfare of health professionals, to make quality healthcare more affordable and accessible to Nigerians.

Making the call in Lagos, a medical practitioner, Dr Kunle Ajayi, said government policies that make modern medical equipment more affordable would enable hospitals to invest in advanced technology without passing the full cost on to patients.

Ajayi, Founder and Medical Director of Clearview Hospital, said improved government funding for healthcare, coupled with better welfare packages for health professionals, was also needed to strengthen service delivery and expand access to quality care.

“We need stronger government action to improve healthcare delivery nationwide, particularly policies that will reduce the cost of importing medical equipment, increase funding for the health sector and improve welfare packages for health workers.

“Lowering the cost of medical equipment will enable hospitals to reduce treatment costs and make modern healthcare services more accessible to Nigerians,” he said.

Speaking at the hospital’s ninth anniversary celebration, Ajayi said Clearview had, over the years, deliberately invested in advanced medical technology while maintaining its commitment to affordability.
He stressed that quality healthcare should not be beyond the reach of ordinary Nigerians.

“Clearview was never an overnight project. It was born out of a long-held vision to create a healthcare institution that would provide advanced medical services while keeping quality care accessible to patients,” he said.

The medical director said building a sustainable healthcare institution went beyond acquiring equipment and constructing facilities, noting that the hospital had expanded its fertility, neonatal and paediatric services, backed by investments in specialised medical equipment.

“Building a hospital is not only about putting up structures or acquiring equipment. It is about building people, instilling values and maintaining consistency in the quality of care we provide every day,” he said.

Ajayi urged the government to prioritise policies that would lower the cost of importing medical equipment, strengthen healthcare financing and improve the welfare of health professionals.
He said reducing the cost of medical equipment would help hospitals lower treatment costs and make modern medical services available to more Nigerians.