Urgent overhaul needed: Nigeria’s failing healthcare system jeopardises lives
Nigeria’s healthcare system is currently experiencing a severe crisis, characterised by alarmingly high neonatal and child mortality rates, which have earned the nation the unfortunate distinction of having the highest incidence of such deaths worldwide.
This distressing reality serves as a poignant reminder of the pressing and immediate necessity to undertake a comprehensive overhaul of the healthcare system, with the primary objective of safeguarding and preserving the well-being of the most vulnerable segments of society.
The state of primary healthcare in Nigeria is deplorable, with evident negligence from both state and local governments. These entities bear the critical responsibility of delivering primary healthcare services, yet their failure to do so has resulted in an alarming deterioration in efficiency and quality nationwide.
This negligence has persisted for decades, leaving the healthcare system ill-equipped to handle the needs of its population.
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 exposed the shocking reality of Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure.
Boss Mustapha, the then Secretary to the Government of the Federation and chairman of the presidential task force on COVID-19, expressed disbelief at the decrepit state of the nation’s healthcare system. This revelation further underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reform.
Stakeholders in the health sector have analysed the budget allocation and determined that Nigeria falls far short of the recommended 15 percent allocation to healthcare, as set out in the Abuja Declaration by African leaders in 2001.
This failure to meet international standards highlights the pressing need for increased investment in healthcare to provide adequate and accessible services to all Nigerians. Without adequate funding, the healthcare system will continue to struggle, and lives will be needlessly lost.
The palpable low morale among healthcare personnel, who feel unmotivated to give their best, further exacerbates the crisis.
Part of the problem lies in the failure of government officials to recognise the need to bring the health sector up to internationally acceptable levels. These officials often enjoy state-sponsored medical trips abroad, which creates a sense of complacency and a lack of urgency to address the systemic issues plaguing Nigeria’s healthcare system. This disparity between the healthcare services available to the privileged few and the majority of Nigerians is unacceptable and must be rectified.
Despite the efforts of institutions like the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), the country’s healthcare indicators remain among the worst in Africa.
This dire situation is exacerbated by a range of critical issues that need to be urgently addressed.
One of the most pressing challenges facing Nigeria’s healthcare sector is the exodus of medical professionals seeking better opportunities abroad.
The departure of over 2,000 members of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors in the last two years alone is a clear indication of the severity of this issue. This brain drain not only depletes the country’s healthcare workforce but also hampers the delivery of quality healthcare services to the population.
While commendable progress has been made in curbing drug counterfeiting and the use of unapproved cosmetics in urban areas, the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has failed to replicate these achievements in rural villages and settlements.
This lapse exposes countless lives to the dangers of counterfeit drugs and unregulated cosmetics, perpetuated by unscrupulous individuals driven solely by their greed for wealth.
Nigeria’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) faces significant challenges due to an expensive and dysfunctional healthcare system that severely limits access to care. The high cost of healthcare services and the inadequate availability of healthcare facilities contribute to the growing inequality in healthcare access.
Meanwhile, the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) recently highlighted the excessive out-of-pocket healthcare spending in the country, which places a heavy burden on individuals who are responsible for over 70 per cent of their healthcare costs.
However, the road ahead for the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, is filled with daunting challenges, as the country’s healthcare infrastructure remains severely underdeveloped.
Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, has expressed deep concern over the challenges facing Nigeria’s health sector. These challenges include poor funding, brain drain, lack of facilities, obsolete equipment, and a shortage of personnel, particularly in rural areas.
Regrettably, these issues have contributed to the underdevelopment of the country’s healthcare infrastructure, hindering the delivery of quality care to its citizens.
Despite the numerous challenges, Professor Pate has promised to bring industrial peace to the health sector, putting an end to periodic industrial actions that disrupt services in public healthcare facilities.
This commitment is a step in the right direction towards improving the overall healthcare system in Nigeria. However, it is crucial to address the underlying issues such as funding, infrastructure development, and human resource management to achieve sustainable change.
The current administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has recognised the urgent need to address the challenges plaguing Nigeria’s health sector.
Efforts are being made to bring about significant development and improve healthcare services, ultimately leading to increased Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Maternal mortality rates in Nigeria remain alarmingly high, with the country accounting for 29 percent of global maternal deaths, according to a recent report by the World Health Organization (WHO).
This is a deeply troubling statistic that highlights the dire state of maternal care in the country.
It is crucial to put an end to the rancor and superiority complex that hinder progress in the healthcare sector. By promoting industrial harmony and a united front, the health sector can better serve the millions of Nigerians in need of quality healthcare.
To truly strengthen Nigeria’s health sector, it is imperative that the government continues to prioritize investment in healthcare infrastructure, training, and resources. Adequate funding and support must be provided to address the systemic challenges that hinder the delivery of quality healthcare services.
In addition to addressing the internal challenges, Nigeria must also discourage subsidized medical tourism. Many Nigerians seek healthcare abroad due to the lack of trust in the local healthcare system.
This drain on resources and talent can be mitigated by improving the quality of healthcare services within the country. By investing in infrastructure, training healthcare professionals, and ensuring the availability of essential medical supplies, Nigeria can regain the trust of its citizens and reduce the need for medical tourism.
Nigeria’s healthcare system stands at a critical crossroads, and urgent action is required. The appointment of Prof Pate brings hope, but the challenges ahead are immense.
Improving healthcare infrastructure, addressing the brain drain, reducing maternal and child mortality rates, and increasing budget allocations are crucial steps towards providing Nigerians with the healthcare they deserve. It is time for Nigeria to rise to the occasion and prioritize the health and well-being of its citizens. Only then can the nation secure a brighter and healthier future for all.
