Good quality healthcare is a fundamental human right. Every living human is entitled, as it is no luxury; everyone should have access to this necessity. But sadly, that is not the case with Nigeria. The world health organization defines good health as the state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
Relate this description to the country's current healthcare situation and see if that is what we have. As far back as 2010, there have been talks about vision 2020, a design which was set to make nigeria one of the top 20 economies in the world by 2020. Now, it is the year 2021 and that vision is now a thing of the past. However, this is not the theme of discussion today; I have something on that already, you can just scroll back and read.
I would like to bring your attention to a part of that plan which harps on rural development. When it comes to the stratification of the nigerian society, the urban population of Nigeria was around 48.2% as at 2005; A figure which continues to reduce as the level of governance continues to worsen. The picture further looks even grimmer when this is compared with the over 75% urban population in most developed countries.
As much as this is not the bane of contention here, it points out the fact that most of the country's population lives in the largely neglected rural areas where absolute poverty, misery, malnutrition, illiteracy, disease, infant mortality cases and generally a low life expectancy are the commonly encountered issues. All of which are factors highlighting existence beneath average decency. Now, this is where the public health care system comes in.
Right at the lowest level of government are the public health care centers. Public health is so integral to the collective well being of the country. The credibility of the nation's work force depends to a large extent on the health of its members. The public health care centers is the closest to nigeria's most vulnerable population. These centers should be in a direct relationship with the members of the community, as it should be the first level of healthcare delivery.
Nigeria has a poorly developed public health care system. The primary level of healthcare is that which should be at the forefront of healthcare in our local communities. But its surveillance systems are poorly developed, while vaccination and immunization drives are still below par. In ideal settings, our primary health care centers should have been at the forefront of societal engagements with respect to the novel coronavirus, right from when we had the first cases in Nigeria. These centers should be driving community based enlightenment campaigns. But what do we have?
In the modern era, public health care centers should be the backbone of the entire healthcare system in the country. These centers should be so close to those living in rural areas, that it should be the first point of call for those seeking medical attention for diseases of public health significance such as Malaria, dysentery, Food allergies, poisoning, Animal bites, etc. Only serious cases should be referred to the secondary health care centers such as the General and the state specialist hospitals around.
Due to this lack of capacity, there is an obvious gap between the members of the community and the primary health care center that is supposed to be the authority on health. So what fills this gap? Faith healing homes, dubious elements, and those selling "Get Healing Quickly" mixtures which further threatens the health of the members of the community. In the light of this neglect, what can be done?
With Nigeria throwing up such scary indices on infant and maternal mortality, it is high time its public health issues are addressed from the root. And what better way other than starting from the primary health care centers? We are fond of providing cosmetic solutions to problems that run deep. In many states of the country, only a few primary health care centers are functioning at the needed capacity.
Well, there are some structures on ground, but most are non-functional, all due to the lack of equipment and medical personnel to man them. There is need for more coverage of the vulnerable population in this country; and to be truthful we are also a part of this segment of the population. Corruption and political instability are two of the culprits responsible for a weak health system. We need to move away from this.
From its budgetary allocations, the bulk allocated to the healthcare sector continues to reduce. The WHO declares that governments have to allocate at least 15% of its budget to the health of its populace. But as at the last budget, the country could only manage to allocate 4.53% of the budget to healthcare. Coupled with education, these two sectors continue to suffer from declining budgetary funds, With most of the budget of the biggest west African nation directed to servicing debts, and recurrent expenditures.
It is high time attention is focused on primary health care, as a way of reviving a slumping sector. There is need for the provision of facilities, personnel to handle this key segment of healthcare. A public private partnership could be facilitated to cope with the growing health care needs of a growing population. An healthy workforce is crucial to boosting a failing economy. A word is enough for the wise.
Nicely written.
ReplyDeleteThank you, I am glad you enjoyed reading the piece.
DeletePrimary health care remains the pillar of healthcare in Nigeria and it's a shame that we don't take it as serious.
ReplyDeleteThank you for putting this to words.
I am glad you found it insightful. Thanks for your comment; means a lot.
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