The Society of Family Physicians of Nigeria (SOFPON) says a deeper penetration of health insurance is needed to improve the work and relevance of family physicians across the country.
It comes as the association marks the global Family Doctors Day to raise awareness about the work and relevance of general practitioners in health care.
SOFPON president, Dr Paul Obiegbu, said at a press conference in Abuja: “The institution of health insurance will aid what family physicians do. Family physicians eventually will be in charge of the primary care of any insurance system. They will be the first point of contact.”
He said ignorance undermines the importance of family doctors as when patients skip the general practitioner and go straight to a neurosurgeon for a headache.
“Family physicians are the cheapest doctors to see. They can take care of 80% of diseases, and when they feel you need to see other doctors, they will refer you appropriately,” he said.
“A family physician is a specialist generalist,” said Dr Iyke Odo, of the Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria.
“When he exhausts his 80% competence, he moves you to the next level. Family physicians connect the dots from the different specialties to have a whole.”
He said Nigeria’s coverage for health insurance was low and inadequate for citizens to enjoy the benefits and ease of seeing a family physician without the burden of paying up front out of pocket.
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