The health system in Nigeria has been on a roller coaster with inadequate equipment, frequent strikes from medical practitioners due to unpaid and low salaries. The medical facilities in Nigeria lack some important equipment, skills and resources.
A lot of Nigerians do not have a Health Maintenance Organisation (HMO) plan, as such they pay out of their pockets for health care services.
It is also discouraging that the President of Nigeria amongst other leaders (in Nigeria) frequently visit and use the medical facilities abroad, they do not pay enough attention to the medical sector in Nigeria.
The Guardian reported that the Federal Government still allocates no more than six per cent of the annual national budget to the sector, over 70 per cent of primary health care centres nationwide are non-functional, less than four per cent of the population have received COVID-19 vaccination compared to 75 per cent in most developed nations among other anomalies.
BizWatch Nigeria will be holding a webinar on December 15, 2021, on how to get the best out of Nigeria’s healthcare. To register for this webinar, click on this link and be sure to attend.
Here are 7 things to know about Nigeria’s healthcare system and HMOs
HMOs
HMO or health maintenance organization insurance provides covered individuals with health insurance in exchange for monthly or annual fees. HMO saves you from unplanned medical expenses with the help of health insurance while reducing the amount spent on health care.
Strike
Medical practitioners especially the resident doctors have been on and off strike due to unmet demands and low income from the federal government. The strike affects state and federal hospitals thereby rendering Nigerians with little or no medical attention (during the strike).
Savings/Investment
Health insurance helps reduce medical expenses and it helps you to focus on other business decisions like savings and investment.
Limited Equipment
Nigerian hospitals especially the ones controlled by the government lack a lot of necessary equipment needed to better the health system. The hospitals rely on funds from the government, non-profit organizations and donations.
Health care services
The health care in Nigeria is on a low, government including the President do not patronize the nation’s services neither is there enough attention directed to the issues surrounding the medical sector.
Take care of yourself
A great way to stay healthy is to take care of your body, eat right, eat fruits, exercise, use your medications (prescribed) and multivitamins. Ensure that your body is in a good state, physically, emotionally and mentally.
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