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Fixing Nigeria’s health care sector

The mass migration of professionals from the country abroad has raised issues about the quality and affordability of healthcare services in the country.

According to the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, no fewer than 16,000 doctors have left the country in the last five years and about 17,000 have been transferred

The Federal Government lamented that the country now has only 55,000 licensed doctors to serve its growing population of over 200 million people.

Thus, accessing quality healthcare provision in Nigeria is now plagued by many challenges ranging from low barriers to entry that allow sub-par providers to operate, to a dearth of oversight that leaves much of the sector unchecked. This results in disparities in service delivery, where the fate of patients can be tied to the ethics and commitment of individual providers rather than a systemic assurance of quality.

A health services provider, Bridge Clinic, has however bridged the gap. For a quarter of a century, amidst the landscape of Nigeria's healthcare system marked by regulatory challenges and limited patient protection from unethical practices, one certification has stood as a testament to excellence, safety, and unwavering commitment to quality—our internal quality management certification from Ouality Austria, a move not mandated by regulators, but by our own compass of conscientious service.

Ouality Austria, a global provider of management system certification, certifies numerous organizations across different industries. The certifications provided by Ouality Austria demonstrate that an organization meets international standards in areas such as quality management, environmental management, and information security management, among others.

“As we celebrate our 25th year milestone, it's crucial for our patients and the wider community to understand why this recognition isn’t just a badge we wear with pride, but a promise of reliability and consistent care.

“This certification is far more than a mere formality. It is a rigorous and continuous process, involving the exhaustive evaluation of every facet of our organization. All our operations, from clinical processes and staff training, to patient management and service delivery, undergo regular and scrupulous audits to ensure we meet international standards. It underscores a culture where excellence is routine, and the safety and satisfaction of our patients the end goal.

“Bridge Clinic’s unwavering commitment to quality management has created a ripple effect, instigating positive change beyond our doors. By setting a benchmark for excellence, not only have we been able to inspire trust and provide consistent, high-level care, but we've also advocated for improved standards across the sector. We believe that such standards should not be exceptional but expected.

“For you, our patients, this translates to health care that you can depend on. It means walking into our facilities knowing that you will receive the same high-quality care every time, irrespective of external pressures. In a market where uncertainties abound, our Ouality Austria- certified services provide a sanctuary of reliability. This is particularly significant when considering that healthcare outcomes are not mere statistics; they are real results that profoundly impact lives and communities,” the company said.

The health services provider said as it reflects on the past quarter of a century and look to the future, its dedication to maintaining and exceeding the stringent standards set by Ouality Austria remains absolute. “We recognize that the trust placed in us by our patients is both sacred and fragile; it is only upheld by our relentless pursuit of improvement and adherence to ethical practices.

 “To the people of Nigeria, our Ouality Austria certification is your guarantee of a healthcare partner who places your well-being at the forefront. It is a proclamation that, despite the obstacles within the healthcare landscape, there is a provider who will consistently offer a haven of safety, quality, and ethical medical service. We celebrate this landmark anniversary by reaffirming our pledge: to deliver healthcare that you can trust; today, and every day,” the company said.