10 Factors Affecting Utilization of Health Services In Nigeria

Factors Affecting Utilization of Health Services In Nigeria – In Nigeria, access to healthcare services is quite limited and not properly distributed. Many rural dwellers do not have access to primary healthcare services, and even in urban areas, the quality of care can be poor in some cases. Also, It is important to note that the government is the primary provider of healthcare services in Nigeria, nevertheless, the public healthcare system still suffers from a lack of funds, and this has led to a huge reliance on private healthcare providers.Information Guide Nigeria

While this may appear as a good development, its disadvantage is that most private healthcare can be very expensive and out of reach for the majority of people, particularly those living in poverty. In addition, health insurance coverage in Nigeria is very low, and this further worsens the problem of access to healthcare.

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Despite these challenges, the Nigerian government is working to improve healthcare access and quality through programs such as the National Health Insurance Scheme.

What Is Health?

The word health can simply be referred to as a state of total emotional and physical well-being.
In 1948, the World health organization defines health as follows: “Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”Factors Affecting Utilization of Health Services

Also, health is a resource to aids an individual’s capacity to function in wider society, rather than an end in itself. A healthy lifestyle enables an individual to lead a full life with purpose and meaning.

What Are Health Services?

Health services refer to the different forms of healthcare provided to individuals to maintain and enhance their physical, mental, and social well-being. Health services include preventive care, such as vaccinations and general body screenings, as well as treatment for illnesses and injuries. Some examples of specific health services include Primary care, specialty care, Hospital care, mental health services, rehabilitation services, etc. 15 Best Industries in Nigeria

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What Is Resource Utilization In Health Care?

Utilization refers to how a resource is used. Therefore, resource utilization in healthcare can be explained as the efficient and effective use of healthcare resources to achieve maximum results. Such resources include staff, facilities, machines, and medication. The primary aim of resource utilization is to ensure that patients receive the necessary care they need and also to ensure that waste is minimized while value is maximized. This can be done in many ways which include the following:20 Best Shoe Organizers in Nigeria and their Prices

1. Adequate Staffing: Staffing has to do with ensuring that the right number and type of healthcare professionals are made available to provide the needed care to patients.
2. Proper Facility utilization: This entails using healthcare facilities most efficiently and effectively as possible, such as scheduling procedures at times when they are most likely to be successful, and minimizing the use of expensive resourcesNYSC Portal
3. Equipment utilization: The medical equipment is to be used in the most efficient way possible. Maintenance should be scheduled regularly the equipment should be used only when necessary.

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Overview of Health Services and its Utilization in Nigeria

Healthcare services utilization in Nigeria is a blend of government-funded public healthcare and private healthcare systems. During the pre-colonial era, Traditional medicine was the main source of healthcare for the citizens with herbalists and traditional birth attendants providing the health services, however, there were slight changes during the Colonial era as the western style healthcare system was established. JAMB Portal

Another era we witnessed was the post-independence era which lasted from the 1960s-the 1990s. Here, the government kept investing in healthcare by building more hospitals and clinics and increasing the number of workers in the health sector. However, the quality of care provided by the public healthcare system was still very poor, and most people turned to private healthcare providers for better care.

From the 2000s till date, The Nigerian government has tried its best efforts to improve healthcare access and quality, with initiatives and programs such as the National Health Insurance Scheme, however, several challenges still affect this sector to this day.JAMB Result

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Factors Affecting Utilization of Health Services In Nigeria

Several factors affect the utilization of healthcare services in Nigeria, some of these factors include:

1. Continued Impoverishment: A large proportion of Nigeria’s populace lives in poverty, and this makes it difficult for them to afford quality healthcare services. 200 romantic love message for her
2. No access to health insurance: The majority of people in Nigeria do not have access to health insurance, and this can make it difficult for them to afford the rising cost of health care.
3. Structural barriers: In Nigeria, Access to healthcare is limited in rural areas, and many people living in these areas have to travel very far to access care in urban areas.
4. Inadequate facilities and supplies; barriers; Healthcare system in Nigeria is faced with many infrastructural challenges such as inadequate facilities, equipment, and supplies.
5. An insufficient number of doctors and Nurses: Nigeria has a shortage of healthcare workers, particularly in rural areas. The urban areas too are now being affected as the health workers now travel in mass to look for greener pastures in other functioning nations
6. Socio-cultural barriers: Traditional beliefs and practices may dissuade people from seeking healthcare, and there may be a lack of trust in the healthcare system.
7. Poor Quality of care: The quality of care provided in most health facilities in Nigeria is poor, and the majority of people do not trust the healthcare system enough to seek care. The wealthy ones among us prefer to be flown abroad for medical attention.
8. Lack of awareness: Many people in Nigeria are not aware of the healthcare services that are available to them and how to access them, which can make it difficult for them to get the care they need.
9. Corruption and Embezzlement of public funds allocated to health care: Corruption has eaten deep into Nigeria’s system as funds are being embezzled by government officials, hence there are no proper facilities or drugs in our public hospitals 105 good morning messages
10. The insufficient federal allocation to the health sector: In real terms, the allocation to the health sector from the federal budget is not adequate to cater to the rising needs of the growing populace.

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Conclusion

Health service in Nigeria is affected by several factors. Some of them include inadequate access to healthcare facilities, lack of education, geographical and infrastructural barrier, and shortage of professional healthcare workers. In order for overall health outcomes in the country to be improved, these factors need to be addressed.

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