This archive report was first published on 11 October 2021.
Nigeria, with a population of over 200 million people, is the seventh most populated country in the world. Despite its vast human capital and resources, the country's healthcare system is underdeveloped, with only 30,000 health facilities serving the entire population.
According to Jayesh Saini, an investor in Nigeria's healthcare industry, the country has great potential for growth, particularly in the healthcare sector. However, the industry is plagued by inadequate infrastructure, including a lack of modern diagnostic services, tertiary care facilities, and healthcare professionals.
Over 70% of healthcare payments in Nigeria are made out of pocket, as many individuals do not have health insurance covers. This has led to extreme poverty, particularly among those seeking maternal healthcare, cancer treatment, and other specialized services.
Experts recommend introducing effective health insurance schemes at both public and private levels to address these challenges. The National Health Insurance Scheme, for instance, should be revamped to ensure greater inclusivity and coverage of vulnerable populations.
Interestingly, many Nigerians prefer seeking medical attention at secondary and tertiary facilities, despite the higher costs, due to poor services, lack of equipment, and unmaintained buildings at primary healthcare facilities.
One-stop diagnostic centers have been well-received by the public, with many willing to pay for convenient access to healthcare services. However, the country continues to face a brain drain, with many healthcare professionals leaving for greener pastures in Europe and America.
