"Times New Roman"">At UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, patients have endured
years of delays caused by broken equipment, shortages of reagents, and
prolonged downtime of diagnostic machines. Emergency surgeries have been
postponed, cancer diagnoses delayed, and pregnant women referred outside the
hospital for urgent scans. These failures have cost lives and eroded public
confidence.
"Times New Roman"">The proposed Public‑Private Partnership (PPP) for
laboratory and radiodiagnostic services is not privatisation. It is a
responsible innovation designed to modernise diagnostics, strengthen patient
care, and secure the future of healthcare in Osun State. Ownership and
regulation remain firmly public, while private partners bring capital,
technology, and maintenance expertise under strict oversight.
Why We Are Doing PPP
- To
ensure modern diagnostic equipment such as CT, MRI, and
digital X‑ray systems are available. - To
guarantee continuous maintenance and reduce downtime. - To
provide a reliable supply of reagents and consumables. - To
improve turnaround time for investigations, especially in
emergencies. - To
strengthen quality assurance and accountability through
measurable performance indicators.
Why PPP Must Be
Sustained
- Patient
welfare mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">: Sustaining PPP means patients
no longer suffer delays in life‑saving investigations. - Training
and education mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">: Resident doctors and medical
students gain exposure to modern equipment, ensuring better professional
development. - Research
capacity mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">: Reliable diagnostics support
academic work and innovation. - Revenue
generation mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">: Patients retain confidence in
the hospital, reducing revenue leakage to external centres. - System
resilience mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"">: Sustained PPP ensures
continuity despite fiscal constraints, inflation, and rising equipment
costs.
Addressing
Misconceptions
- PPP
is not anti‑worker: Staff welfare, training, and career
progression remain protected under Nigerian labour laws. - PPP
does not replace professionals: Consultants, scientists,
radiographers, and doctors continue their statutory roles. - PPP
does not compromise affordability: Safeguards for indigent
patients, emergencies, and NHIA beneficiaries are built into agreements.
Transparency and
Accountability
"Times New Roman"">MDCAN insists that PPP implementation must follow due
process:
- Transparent
procurement. - Stakeholder
consultation. - Independent
monitoring. - Protection
of workers’ rights. - Measurable
performance indicators.
Conclusion
"Times New Roman"">Healthcare exists for patients. Reform is not optional — it
is urgent. The PPP initiative for laboratory and radiodiagnostic services at
UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital is a forward‑looking solution that places patients at
the centre, modernises diagnostics, and strengthens institutional
sustainability.
"Times New Roman"">We call on all stakeholders — unions, management,
government, and professionals — to engage in dialogue guided by evidence,
transparency, and patient welfare. Together, we can build a stronger, more
reliable teaching hospital for the people of Osun State.
