Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Tunji Alausa, has denied reports that the Nigerian government plans to privatize the country’s university teaching hospitals. Alausa emphasized that the government is focused on boosting growth in the health sector without commercializing its health institutions.

The minister made this statement in response to comments by Amos Magaji, Chairperson of the House of Representatives Committee on Health, who expressed the parliament’s support for the privatization of university teaching hospitals. Magaji, representing Zangon Kataf/Jaba Federal Constituency of Kaduna State, suggested that privatization could help address challenges such as overstretched facilities, poor power supply, and a shortage of personnel.

Alausa dismissed this suggestion, rhetorically asking, “Why would we do that?” He clarified that the government has no plans to hand over public health institutions to the private sector. Instead, the focus is on collaborations to improve the services provided within the health system.

Alausa’s remarks came during an event to inaugurate a committee tasked with addressing mother-to-child transmission of HIV, reinforcing the government’s commitment to enhancing the health sector through strategic initiatives rather than privatization.