Medical Directors Solicit Private Sector Partnership against Meningitis

The Guild of Medical Directors has lent its voice to the fight against Cerebro Spinal Meningitis (CSM) as it solicits a realistic collaboration of the private sector in fighting the epidemic that has claimed hundreds of lives in some states.

The Chairman, FCT Chapter of the guild, Dr. Chito Nwana, who made the call at a news conference in Abuja, said: “The health sector is the most relevant sector because if one is not healthy, the person cannot be productive. Necessary things need to be done to provide quality healthcare delivery in the country.

“The private health sector can add value to the effort being made by the government; the role of the private sector in quality healthcare delivery cannot be overemphasised,’’ she said.

However, Nwana called for Public Private Partnership (PPP) to achieve efficient healthcare delivery in the country.

The chairman said, for instance, that government should address the issues of multiple taxation.

She commended public health officials, private health sector as well as NGOs for their contributions in controlling further spread of meningitis and loss of lives in the country.

“This is the time to highlight and to bring out the importance of the private sector in battling these conditions and being part of the management and public awareness.

The Public Relation Officer of the guild, Dr. Biodun Ogungbo, advised Nigerians to be cautious about CSM and take conscious efforts by preventing the occurrence.

“Patients and the general public need to be more aware of the disease in the country and the preventive measure is keep good personal hygiene, well ventilated apartment, drink enough fluids. For those who have the symptoms of headache, fever, vomiting and so on should not go to a chemist, herbalist, pastors or ignoring it, but they should rather go to the hospital,’’ he advised.