The Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners on Sunday called on President Bola Tinubu and all well-meaning Nigerians to urgently intervene in the nation’s health sector.
The association raised the alarm over an imminent crisis in the nation’s health sector, following a 21-day ultimatum issued by the Nigerian Medical Association to the Federal Government.
The ANPMP, in a press statement signed by its President, Dr. Kayode Adesola, and Secretary-General, Dr. Gbadebo Adebiyi, on Sunday, urged President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene before the healthcare system collapses.
The NMA had, on July 2, issued an ultimatum in protest against a circular from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission on revised allowances for medical and dental officers in the federal public service, which the doctors say violates prior agreements.
The controversial circular, dated June 27, 2025, with reference number SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646, has drawn widespread criticism from medical associations, including the Nigerian Medical Association, the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria, and the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors.
The ANPMP, a constituent of the NMA, expressed full support for the ultimatum, warning that the current situation, if ignored, could plunge both public and private healthcare into a deeper crisis.
“The Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners, the umbrella body representing private medical practitioners across the nation, issues this urgent appeal to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and to all well-meaning Nigerians, to intervene decisively and prevent an impending crisis in the nation’s health sector,” it appealed.
The private practitioners affirmed their full alignment with the NMA’s position and said, as active participants in the association’s executive structures, they are privy to the extensive and sincere efforts made through advocacy and diplomacy to avert industrial disharmony.
“Sadly, these efforts have been disregarded, and the latest circular has further strained an already fragile health system.
“The Nigerian healthcare system is in a precarious state, teetering on the brink of collapse. The exodus of skilled professionals—due largely to the persistently poor working conditions—has left both public and private health institutions grossly understaffed. The few doctors who remain are overburdened, underpaid, and stretched beyond human limits. It is no surprise that younger doctors are vanishing from the workforce, while older, still-capable practitioners are getting overworked to death or retiring prematurely. What a paradox.
“In the private sector, we feel the direct impact of this attrition. We draw from the same talent pool as the public sector.”
The group noted that any strike by public sector doctors at this time would compound an already dire situation that would cripple patient care across both sectors and inflict immense hardship on Nigerians.
It argued that strikes not only disrupt services but often result in the permanent loss of healthcare personnel, as many doctors take the opportunity to emigrate.
“This is a devastating consequence for a country already grappling with an acute shortage of health workers.
“In most progressive nations, healthcare and education occupy the top tier of government priorities. In contrast, Nigeria continues to underinvest in these critical sectors. Today, nine out of every ten Nigerian doctors are either planning to leave or actively pursuing opportunities abroad. Despite research, conferences, and repeated policy recommendations aimed at mitigating brain drain, government actions—or inaction—continue to fuel the push factors while failing to strengthen the pull factors that would retain our workforce.
“In light of these realities, we, the ANPMP, join our voice with that of the NMA in demanding immediate and comprehensive government action to address the 18-point demands outlined in the NMA’s press release of July 2nd, 2025,” it stated.
The doctors also called on the Federal Government to extend the constitution and revitalisation of management boards beyond tertiary hospitals to include other critical health institutions.
“These should include the National Health Insurance Authority, the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, and other health regulatory and administrative bodies. These boards are essential to ensure accountability, efficiency, and improved governance across the healthcare sector.
“Finally, we urge the government to abandon the unproductive tradition of last-minute negotiations—often held on the eve of industrial actions. Don’t wait till the 20th day of a 21-day ultimatum before responding. The seriousness of this moment demands proactive engagement, not reactive measures. Delays will only exacerbate the suffering of ordinary Nigerians.
“The time to act is now. The government must seize this moment to restore trust, uphold prior agreements, and take meaningful steps to preserve and revitalise Nigeria’s healthcare system,” the statement added.
