Nigeria’s healthcare system is facing a severe crisis as the cost of essential medications, medical laboratory tests, and other health services continues to surge, making access to treatment increasingly unaffordable for millions.
Key Findings:
– Prices of essential drugs have risen by up to 500%
– Medical laboratory tests now cost between N4,000 and N5,000
– Caesarean section (CS) costs range from N320,000 to N650,000
– Over 26 million Nigerians live below the poverty line, exacerbating the crisis
Human Impact:
Olayinka Ade, a mother of three, was turned away from a hospital due to inability to pay N3,000 for a hospital card. Faziyat, a widow and diabetes patient, resorts to traditional medicine due to unaffordable treatment. Joseph Eke, a hypertension patient, has gone on “drug holiday” due to financial constraints.
Expert Insights:
Dr. Moruf Abdulsalam, Chairman of the Medical Guild, warns of increased morbidity and mortality rates. Dr. Casmier Ifeanyi, National Chairman of the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists, attributes the crisis to Nigeria’s reliance on imported medical supplies.
Calls to Action:
Health experts urge the government to:
1. Implement price control measures
2. Promote local pharmaceutical production
3. Strengthen the national health insurance system
4. Increase investment in public healthcare facilities
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has launched an initiative to adopt primary healthcare centers and offer free services to patients.
Sources:
Vanguard News, Nigerian Medical Association, Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria.
