Guild of Medical Directors, FCT chapter, on Wednesday, called on the Federal Government to support local healthcare services and hospitals through reduction of import taxes on health equipment.
The guild made the call in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Dr Biodun Ogungbo, in preparation for an upcoming education and advocacy programme titled: “What’s New in Abuja?.”
The programme is to inform and educate members of the guild and the public about new businesses and services in the health space in Abuja.
Ogungbo stated that “Abuja was fast becoming the medical tourism centre for Nigeria and very important to further strengthen this position to provide quality care for all.
“There is need to support government to eliminate multiple taxation from local governments all over the country.
“If government stops multiple taxation and reduces the cost of importation, the cost of care will come down and hospitals will
be better able to deliver quality care to more Nigerians.
“At the moment, many Nigerians cannot afford the cost of care and are trooping to charlatans and unskilled practitioners.
“If government supports local hospitals by patronising them and shunning medical tourism, healthcare landscape will improve with more confidence in the system.”
The public relations officer stressed urgent need to educate the public about advances in healthcare and new services available, especially during the global pandemic era, adding that it could be difficult for patients and relatives to travel abroad for healthcare.
The programme is scheduled for July 17, 2021 and will be streamed live for everyone to participate in.
The event is a hybrid, with physical and online presentations. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
