KEY POINTS
- The Nigerian government allocated N1.17 trillion to the health sector in 2024, facilitating the revitalization of over 2,100 Primary Healthcare Centres.
- Professional bodies emphasize improving healthcare workers’ welfare and working conditions to address workforce shortages.
- Strengthening primary healthcare is prioritized to enhance access to essential services, especially in rural areas.
Nigeria’s healthcare system has long grappled with issues such as underfunding, inadequate infrastructure, and workforce shortages.
However, recent initiatives and reforms indicate a concerted effort to address these challenges and improve healthcare delivery across the nation.
Increased funding and strategic investments
In 2024, the Nigerian government allocated N1.17 trillion to the health sector, marking a significant investment aimed at revitalizing healthcare services.
This budget facilitated the revitalization of over 2,100 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs), with plans to operationalize an additional 3,000 by the end of 2025.
These efforts are part of the National Health Sector Renewal Initiative (NHSRII) and the Health Sector Strategic Blueprint 2024–2027, which aim to create an equitable, resilient, and accessible health system for all Nigerians.
Addressing workforce challenges
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners (ANPMP) have emphasized the need for systemic reforms to tackle workforce shortages.
Improving staff living standards and workplace settings along with fair salaries should help keep Nigerian healthcare professionals working locally.
The proposed actions help build Nigeria’s health system better and improve medical treatment quality.
Enhancing primary healthcare
Strengthening primary healthcare is a cornerstone of Nigeria’s health sector reforms.
The government has prioritized the establishment and revitalization of PHCs to serve as the first point of contact for individuals seeking medical attention.
This approach aims to improve access to essential health services, particularly in rural and underserved areas, thereby reducing the burden on tertiary healthcare facilities.
Leveraging corporate investments
Healthcare experts have identified funding and corporate investments as priorities for transforming Nigeria’s healthcare sector in 2025.
With workforce shortages anticipated to overtake funding challenges as the biggest risk to the sector, there is a cautious optimism about the opportunities that lie ahead.
Engaging the private sector through public-private partnerships is seen as a viable strategy to bridge funding gaps, enhance service delivery, and foster innovation within the healthcare system.
Implementing health insurance reforms
The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has surpassed its presidential target for health insurance coverage in 2024 and unveiled plans for an additional 20 percent expansion in 2025.
This achievement is part of efforts to provide universal health coverage, ensuring that more Nigerians have access to affordable healthcare services.
Nationwide health outcomes will get better when health insurance expands to reach more people and eases their financial burden for medical costs.
Conclusion
The Nigerian healthcare system keeps facing difficulties yet recent moves and planning shows strong dedication to solving these problems.
Through increased funding, workforce development, primary healthcare enhancement, corporate investments, and health insurance reforms, Nigeria is making strides toward a more robust and equitable healthcare system.
