African Leaders Must Increase Funding For Healthcare, Infrastructure – PTL Chief Executive

Chief Executive of PTL conglomerates and philanthropist, Prince Lucky Tobechukwu has disclosed that providing health solutions to less privileged Nigerians forms part of his project for 2025.

In a statement he signed, the Mbaise born international business mogul who is marking his birthday today, stated that he is building a world class and biggest hospital in Nigeria where everyone would have access to quality health care free of charge.

Prince Lucky added that achieving that dream by 2025 would give him so much peace of mind, noting that it hurts to see the poor die everyday due to lack of good hospitals and proper diagnosis.

According to him, quality healthcare is essential in Africa due to the continent’s unique health challenges, expressing optimism that his world class hospital would improve health outcomes by reducing mortality rates, better disease management, and a healthy workforce, which will increase productivity and improve living standards.

Prince Lucky advised African leaders to prioritize Increase funding for healthcare, strengthen health systems and infrastructure, Invest in healthcare workforce development, promote community-based care and outreach services and leverage technology for healthcare delivery and management.

He opined that addressing healthcare challenges and prioritizing quality care, Nigeria and Africa can improve health outcomes, drive economic growth, and enhance social stability.

The businessman who is marking his birth anniversary with financial support that runs into millions of naira, added that he is destined to be a philanthropist and has never regretted empowering people across Africa.

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, faces significant challenges in providing healthcare access to its citizens. Despite progress made, many Nigerians struggle to receive quality healthcare services.

Statistics from World Health Organizations (WHO) and Nigeria Bureau of Statistics (NBS) stated that Nigeria has only 0.5 hospital beds per 1,000 people, below the WHO recommended 2.5 beds and that the country has a ratio of 1 doctor to 2,500 patients, far below the WHO recommended 1:400.

Rural areas also lack access to healthcare facilities, with 70% of healthcare services concentrated in urban centers, while out-of-pocket payments account for 70% of healthcare expenditures, making healthcare unaffordable for many among others.