Addressing inadequate Healthcare funding in Nigeria

A pressing issue faced by the Nigerian medical sector is inadequate healthcare
funding. Insufficient resources and funding are the major obstacles to seamless
operations in this sector. The medical sector is largely dependent on the availability and
use of modern medical equipment and technology. Therefore, the problem of
remuneration poses a major problem rippling into consequences which may include
shortage of essential medicinal supplies, outdated medical equipment as well as scarce
infrastructures.

The problem calls for immediate attention.
However, neglecting this issue would have problems.
Firstly, a key outcome is the insufficient access to healthcare. Underfunding the medical
sector would tighten the availability of medical services especially in the rural areas.
Outcomes as such can give rise to unequal clinical outcomes among patients.

Secondly, It places a burden on medical staff.
Available data shows that, out of about 80,000 doctors registered with the medical and
dental council of Nigeria as of June 2021, only about 35,000 of them actively
participate within the country. This translates to a staggering 56.25% of registered
doctors do not practice in Nigeria. It is doubtless that doctors leave due to poor
remuneration and economic conditions of Nigeria. This exacerbated brain drain in
Nigeria.

Also, lack of investments in healthcare infrastructure causes inadequate funding of
medical personnel. For example, some hospitals in rural areas suffer: Staff shortages,
compromised safety, treatment delays, and increased mortality rates.
These aforementioned are below neutral requirements of hospitals in Nigeria.

In a bid to resolve these perilous issues, some methods can be adopted and
implemented. Some of these strategies include:

1. The government should increase investment in healthcare.
The Nigeria healthcare financing relies greatly on private spending done by individuals.
Statistics reveal that in 2021, these expenses amounted to 76% of total health
expenditure which were exclusive of government contribution. Hence, for better
conditions, The government should allocate a lion’s share of the national budget to
healthcare. This will certainly optimize healthcare performance.

2. A public-private partnership should be encouraged. Private sectors should
collaborate with government pillars to pull resources, expertise and capabilities to
address specific challenges afflicting the healthcare sector. For example, the Ekiti State
Government can collaborate with private organisations to establish high-quality
facilities like: teaching hospitals, specialized treatment centers, diagnostic facilities,
hospital complexes, and pharmacies. If such partnership is fostered across all 36 states
of Nigeria, Nigeria would bridge the gap in medical systems.
3. As I move further, a puzzling question remains unanswered. If the Nigerian medical
and health sector is well remunerated, would it be well accounted for? The answer to
the question is more than a decision to be transparent and fair but a resolute to be made
towards efficient resource management. To ensure that funds are always available, every
naira spent should be accountable and officials who dispense these money are fair. In
doing so, there would be transparency in budget allocation and decentralised decision
making.
In conclusion, the imperative for balance in healthcare can not be over-emphazised.
Financing is a linchpin that holds the entire system together. I am optimistic that these
above solutions,if well implemented, would yield a lasting solution to the problem of
inadequate funding in the Nigerian medical and health sector.

Special Credit:
Ngorka Donald Chukwuma
200 level M.B.B. S Student