Kwara Must Change Calls for Public-Private Partnership in Healthcare Management
Kwara Must Change (KMC), a leading pro-democracy and grassroots advocacy group, has urged the Kwara State Government to adopt a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model for the management of public hospitals, citing widespread inefficiency and mismanagement within the state’s healthcare system.
In a statement issued by its Convener, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, KMC described the current state of healthcare delivery in Kwara as deeply concerning, blaming the Hospital Management Board and the Ministry of Health for failing to ensure effective service delivery.
“The management of public hospitals in Kwara State has proven incapable of providing quality healthcare services,” Hamzat stated.
He highlighted that despite significant government investment in medical infrastructure, hospitals across the state are plagued by inadequate medical supplies, poor staff performance, and an outright lack of accountability from the management, putting the lives of patients at risk.
Hamzat also pointed out the wide disparity between publicly managed hospitals, which often have greater infrastructure and facilities, and private hospitals with limited capacity but better service delivery. He noted that private hospitals, despite their limited resources, have consistently provided the level of care that enhances psychological balance and gives patients a sense of comfort and assurance—a standard that public hospitals have failed to match.
“Private hospitals, though smaller and less equipped, have shown a higher level of professionalism and care, giving patients confidence and comfort. This proves that the problem in public hospitals is not about infrastructure but about management and accountability,” Hamzat said.
He argued that adopting a PPP model would bring in private sector expertise, introduce professional management, and significantly improve the quality of healthcare services across the state.
“A PPP framework will create a competitive and performance-driven system where private sector efficiency is combined with public sector oversight to deliver better patient outcomes and improved working conditions for healthcare workers,” Hamzat added.
KMC emphasized that under a well-structured PPP model, the government would retain ownership of hospital infrastructure while allowing private operators to handle day-to-day management. This, Hamzat noted, would ensure that hospitals are properly maintained and adequately staffed.
“The government’s role should shift from direct management to oversight and regulation, ensuring that service delivery meets the highest standards,” Hamzat said.
He further stressed that healthcare is too critical to be left in the hands of an ineffective management board, arguing that a strategic partnership with the private sector would revitalize the healthcare system and restore public confidence.
“The current state of our healthcare system is unacceptable. A PPP model will unlock the potential of our hospitals and provide the people of Kwara State with the quality healthcare they deserve,” Hamzat concluded.