The federal government’s failure to implement promised health sector reforms has led to a significant financing gap, affecting all aspects of the healthcare system, including infrastructure, workforce, medical supplies, and services. This has resulted in inadequate healthcare delivery nationwide,leadership reports.
Both the previous and current administrations pledged to provide affordable healthcare to the public, a promise that remains unfulfilled.
LEADERSHIP reports that the federal government had included health sector reform as one of the “ongoing transactions” on the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) priority list for immediate intervention. However, years later, little to no progress has been made.
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The BPE website outlines the government’s objectives to improve access to world-class services, enhance the value of health solutions and advanced technology, and reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
Nigeria’s health system comprises both public and private providers but remains significantly under-resourced and underdeveloped. Public healthcare facilities frequently face inadequate infrastructure, insufficient medical supplies, and a shortage of healthcare professionals. These deficiencies result in substandard care and long patient waiting times.
Rural areas are particularly disadvantaged, with limited access to healthcare services compared to urban centers. While the private healthcare sector is better equipped, it is often too expensive for the average Nigerian, further exacerbating inequalities in healthcare access.
According to the BPE, one goal was to retain more than $1 billion (N1.4 trillion) lost annually to medical tourism, encouraging Nigerians to seek treatment within the country.
Nigeria’s health sector faces an annual financing gap estimated in the billions of dollars. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends allocating at least 15 percent of annual budgets to health, but Nigeria consistently allocates only about 4-5 percent, leaving a significant shortfall.
The state of Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure is dire, with many hospitals and clinics lacking basic amenities and modern medical equipment. Public hospitals often have unreliable electricity and water supply, hampering quality care delivery. Additionally, a shortage of healthcare workers, many of whom move abroad for better opportunities, leaves existing staff overworked and underpaid. This results in high medical errors, preventable deaths, and a general lack of trust in the public healthcare system.
Nigeria’s health outcomes are among the poorest globally, with high maternal and infant mortality rates, low life expectancy, and a high burden of infectious diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS. Non-communicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension are also rising, adding to the system’s challenges.
“The underfunding of the health sector significantly impacts the country’s ability to address these health issues effectively, resulting in poor health indicators and outcomes,” said a federal government-employed medical doctor who requested anonymity.
Due to the inadequacies of the local healthcare system, many Nigerians seek medical treatment abroad, spending approximately $1.2 billion annually on medical tourism in countries like India, the United States, and the United Kingdom. This trend highlights the lack of confidence in the Nigerian healthcare system and drains substantial financial resources that could otherwise improve local healthcare infrastructure and services.
Medical practitioners emphasize that addressing the financing gap and improving Nigeria’s health system require comprehensive reforms and significant investment.
“The government needs to increase its budgetary allocation to health, ensuring efficient and transparent use of funds. Public-private partnerships could play a crucial role in bridging the infrastructure gap and enhancing healthcare delivery.
“Strengthening the healthcare workforce through better training, remuneration, and working conditions is also essential. Ultimately, addressing these challenges will require a coordinated effort from all stakeholders, including government, private sector, and international partners, to ensure all Nigerians have access to quality healthcare,” said Abuja-based doctor Idris Hameed.
