The Kwara State Government has called on private medical practitioners across Nigeria to uphold the highest standards of professionalism to enhance public trust and elevate healthcare delivery nationwide.

Dr Amina El-Imam, Commissioner for Health, made the appeal during a courtesy visit by members of the National and State Executive Council of the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners (ANPMP) to the Ministry of Health headquarters in Fate, Ilorin. She urged practitioners to adhere to ethical guidelines, stating: "Your commitment to professionalism directly impacts public confidence in our healthcare system."

The Commissioner highlighted the importance of collaboration between the state and private practitioners in addressing challenges such as service delivery gaps and regulatory compliance, reinforcing Kwara's broader health sector reforms.

While commending the association for its long-standing advocacy for improved healthcare delivery, the Commissioner acknowledged the vital role private health providers play in the nation's healthcare landscape.

"Your agitation for improved service delivery through the National Health Insurance Agency (NHIA) is commendable and something that benefits everyone. Health is a collective responsibility — everyone must play his part," she said.

Dr El-Imam noted that private hospitals remain the preferred option for many Nigerians, underscoring the need for greater alignment between private practitioners and government-led health initiatives.

She urged the association to actively support ongoing efforts to reduce maternal mortality, particularly by participating in the data validation process for maternal and child health in the state.

"The state remains committed to improving emergency medical services through SEMSAS, with a strong focus on maternal and newborn health. Your involvement can further strengthen this effort," the Commissioner stated.

Addressing the issue of quackery, Dr El-Imam revealed that the Ministry had reinvigorated its monitoring and inspection activities.

She noted that the monitoring tool had recently been redrafted and it was undergoing final reviews as part of efforts to establish a centralized healthcare facility database in the state.

"Monitoring and inspection remain crucial to enhancing healthcare delivery in Kwara State. We have also harmonized inspection activities among our agencies to eliminate duplication and ensure efficiency," she added.

The Commissioner emphasized that achieving sustained progress in health is a long journey, but once the state is committed to. "We are not stopping, and together we are reducing maternal mortality," she affirmed.

Dr El-Imam also encouraged the association to work towards bridging the gap between public and private health institutions for a more integrated health system.

In his remarks, the National President of ANPMP, Dr Kayode Adesola, expressed appreciation to the Kwara State Ministry of Health for its continued support.

He noted that the association had received positive feedback from members practicing in the state and appealed for more collaboration and inclusion in health sector planning and implementation.

The ANPMP is currently in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, for its National Executive Council meeting scheduled to hold on Saturday 12th July.