Hello and welcome back to my blog. At 64, Nigeria’s healthcare system faces challenges of poor health outcomes, escalating costs, variations in healthcare quality, access, affordability, and more. There’s a general consensus that the system needs transforming. Just as an example, according to the 2018 Nigeria Demographic Health Survey, infant mortality is 67 deaths per 1,000 live births. People argue that a reformed system would deliver better care and a higher chance of retaining much-needed manpower and capacity.
The first thing we must do is put pressure on the government and all the key players in healthcare to change the mindset about healthcare. We must push it to the forefront of discussions. Pressure should come from everyone, especially healthcare professional associations like doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and radiographers. These associations are primarily focused on their members’ welfare, but they must also think of the greater good. Civil society organizations, including the Nigerian Bar Association, should join the conversation, as healthcare affects all of us. The best time to put pressure is now. We should make healthcare a top issue.
Another problem is the brain drain—many doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers are leaving the country. This has also create problem in the health sector as there are not much professional doctors on ground to help save life. When the healthcare environment is toxic and lacks resources, professionals will leave. But if we create an environment where healthcare workers are supported, well-compensated, and have the resources they need, we can retain more of them. We must create that environment where professionals feel proud to work and where the quality of their life is better.
Another factor needed to strengthening Nigeria health system is having a data base in the health care system and the integrity of hospital operations. Data is crucial for planning. We need accurate data to understand the health needs of the population. Without data, we can’t plan effectively, and healthcare provision becomes chaotic. A well-organized healthcare system needs leadership, proper planning, and strong information systems. For a population of 250 million people, we need solid data to improve service delivery.
Improving the primary healthcare system is fundamental for preventing health issues from reaching critical or tertiary levels. Take the case of a man who had a stroke. If he had been part of a functional primary healthcare system, his stroke could have been prevented or better managed. We need to strengthen the primary healthcare system, as it provides preventive and promotive care. A robust primary healthcare system could prevent simple issues from becoming complex and reduce the burden on tertiary care.
In Nigeria, we face unique challenges. With a population of 250 million people and less than 50,000 doctors, we must innovate. One way to address this is by expanding the roles of other healthcare workers, such as community health extension workers, to take on more responsibilities. This could help address the shortage of doctors, but we must also ensure robust regulation and accountability.
In conclusion, the government should make healthcare a priority. Investments should be made in building capacity, improving service provision, and ensuring healthcare workers have the tools they need. To prevent brain drain, the government must create an environment where professionals feel valued and supported. When people are paid well and provided with the right working conditions, they are more likely to stay in the country. Public-private partnerships are a viable option. Bringing in private sector management could improve efficiency and outcomes in public hospitals. It’s something worth considering, especially for secondary and tertiary healthcare.
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