Should Every Private Healthcare Facility Be Called a Hospital?

Nigeria’s public healthcare system generally distinguishes teaching hospitals, general hospitals and primary healthcare centres by their roles and levels of care. In the private sector, however, facilities with very different capacities are often all called hospitals. Some may not even provide basic primary healthcare services. I believe the Ministry of Health and relevant regulators should strengthen how private healthcare facilities are classified and named. The name should reflect each facility’s actual services, capacity and level of care. Clear distinctions between hospitals, medical centres, specialist hospitals, clinics, primary healthcare centres and convalescent homes would help the public know what care to expect and where to seek help, especially in an emergency.

Use The App To Win ₦1m

Stories are shared by community members. This article does not represent the official view of NaijaWorld — the author is solely responsible for its content.