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Access to quality medical services is very important to the overall survival of any community and the nation as a whole.
Nigeria has about 3,534 health care facilities to care for its over 180 Million population. Considering this huge deficit, you might want to consider setting up a private medical practice in the country.
Setting up a private hospital in Nigeria can be a bit tasking considering the regulatory requirements and the specifications of the different regulatory bodies that oversee medical practice in the country. Outside the general specifications by the Federal Ministry of Health, you will also need to familiarise yourself with the specific regulations in your designated state of practice, likewise, those from professional bodies like Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria, Medical Laboratory Council of Nigeria and NAFDAC.
However, below are a few regulatory requirements you need to know.
1. Definition of Private Hospital
A medical Facility equipped with basic facility for medical investigation, diagnosis and treatment including Out-patient and In-patient care and other relevant professional services.
2. Registration Requirement
- Business Registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)
- Operation Permit from the Federal Ministry of Health through the State Ministry of Health
- Operating License issued usually by the State Ministry of Health and it's renewable yearly
3. Facility Requirement
Specifications vary from state to state, however basic requirements include:
i. Building: Must be composite not forming part of normal residential accommodation. Must be spacious with the following features
- A waiting room
- Medical Record Department
- Consulting room
- Treatment Room
- Toilet facilities
- Pharmacy/Dispensing Room
- Staff Room or Call Room
- Admission Ward
- Theatre / Procedure Room
- Laboratory
ii. Environment
- Proper Waste Management System
- Source of Water supply
- Hospital Safety Devices
iii. Equipment
- Oxygen Source (Oxygen concentrator or Oxygen Cylinder)
- Sterilizing Equipment (Autoclave)
- Patient monitors
- Suction machine (automated or manual)
- Others (Hospital bed, Bedside Lockers etc.)
4. Staffing Requirement
The major professional regulatory bodies in the health sector include
- Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN)
- Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN)
- Medical Laboratory Scientist of Nigeria
- Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (PCN)
All the above professional regulatory bodies in Nigeria has specific regulations to guide the services of their members. Some of which include:
- Certificate of Full Registration and evidence of Annual Practicing License
- MDCN requires the Medical Administrator to be a Consultant or a medical or dental officer of more than Ten years post-registration experience
- Hospital that compounds drugs, requires the services of a qualified and registered pharmacist listed with the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (PCN)
Starting a hospital like any other business requires lots of planning owing to the sensitive nature of hospital business. However, the starting point is for you to be familiar with the regulatory requirements before venturing into the hospital business environment.
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Registration of a hospital in Lagos State
Federal Ministry of Health, Department of Hospital Services,
MDCN Public Notice: Rules On Private Practice By Medical And Dental Practitioners In Full Employment Of The Public Service
Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love learning more on this topic. If possible, as you gain expertise, would you mind updating your blog with more information? It is extremely helpful for me. d'medical care
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