As the costs of ultrasound scans soar due to economic pressures, health stakeholders are calling for the Nigerian government to implement tax relief on imported medical equipment. This plea comes amidst concerns that rising prices, largely influenced by the devaluation of the naira, could limit access to essential diagnostic evaluations, particularly for pregnant women.
Currently, the price for a pregnancy scan stands at approximately N15,000, but experts warn this figure could escalate significantly by year-end, thereby restricting access for low-income expectant mothers. This concern was voiced during the 12th Annual Conference of the Association of Medical Ultrasound Practitioners of Nigeria, themed “Standard Obstetrics and Gynaecological Ultrasound Protocol.”
Government Initiatives and Gaps
Earlier this year, Professor Muhammad Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, announced an executive order to remove Value-Added Tax (VAT) and excise duties on pharmaceutical products and medical devices. However, this order did not extend to medical equipment, leaving stakeholders feeling underserved.
Dr. Olabode Adewunmi, President of the Association of Medical Ultrasound Practitioners of Nigeria, emphasized that government support in subsidizing medical equipment is crucial. He argued that improving access to state-of-the-art equipment and qualified personnel would enhance diagnostic accuracy, ultimately improving health outcomes.
Diagnosis and Patient Safety
The impact of accurate diagnoses on patient safety cannot be overstated. Dr. Adewunmi shared a troubling case of a misdiagnosed patient whose condition worsened due to inadequate diagnostic practices. He urged that an emphasis on correct diagnosis through improved ultrasound protocols is essential in reducing morbidity and mortality rates.
Challenges in the Healthcare Sector
Professor Oladapo Ashiru, a renowned fertility specialist, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the scarcity of trained personnel and the prohibitive costs of ultrasound equipment as significant challenges. He reinforced the call for tax exemptions on ultrasound machines, stating that their rising prices are not sustainable for healthcare providers.
The price of ultrasound scanners has dramatically increased; for instance, a GE ultrasound machine that cost N22 million last year now retails for N48 million. Such inflation in equipment costs inevitably translates to higher service fees for patients, further limiting access to crucial healthcare services.
Recommendations for Improvement
In addition to tax relief, stakeholders advocate for clearer guidelines and protocols for ultrasound practices to improve accuracy and accountability in diagnostics. They also suggest exploring insurance policies that cover diagnostic tests, thereby making them more accessible to the general population.
Overall, the combination of economic constraints and rising healthcare costs underscores the urgent need for government intervention to ensure that all Nigerians, particularly vulnerable populations, have access to essential medical services.
