Private Health Sector Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN) recently convened an insightful X-Space discussion on July 28, 2024, titled “Effects of the Current State of the Economy on Access to Healthcare and Why PHCs Need to be Strengthened.” The virtual event brought together esteemed panellists to address the critical intersection of economic challenges and healthcare accessibility, with a focus on the pivotal role of primary healthcare centres (PHCs) in Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Moderated by Dr. Ajidahun Olusina, popularly known as The Bearded Dr. Sina, the discussion featured a distinguished panel including renowned medical doctor and storyteller Dr. Chinonso Egemba (a.k.a., Aproko Doctor); prominent actress and social advocate, Kate Henshaw, and the director of policy at PSHAN, Dr. Anne Adah-Ogoh. The conversation extensively considered the far-reaching effects of Nigeria’s economic state on healthcare access, underscoring the urgent need for strengthening PHCs. Key discussion points included the economic impact on healthcare access, the role of PHCs, strategies for enhancing PHC infrastructure, broader implications, and future outlooks.
Dr. Chinonso Egemba highlighted the impact of economic conditions on healthcare access for vulnerable populations, particularly women and children. He noted, “In challenging economic times, many individuals prioritize basic necessities such as food over healthcare. This shift results in significant barriers to accessing essential health services.”
Kate Henshaw emphasised the inadequacies in healthcare budgeting and the need for improved standards. “The current healthcare budget is insufficient and lacks critical components like sanitation and clean water. We must advocate for restored quality and affordable healthcare, as the health of a nation is intrinsically linked to its wealth.”
Dr. Anne Adah-Ogoh addressed the connection between economic hardship and the quality of healthcare services. She explained, “Economic constraints force many people to allocate resources to survival necessities rather than healthcare. This has led to the deterioration of manageable health issues and an increase in conditions like drug-resistant malaria. Our goal is to improve universal health coverage and ensure that healthcare remains accessible regardless of economic conditions.”
The panel also underscored the crucial role of PHCs as the first point of call in the healthcare system. They stressed that strengthening PHCs is essential for providing accessible and quality healthcare, especially during economic downturns, when individuals are forced to prioritise necessities over health services, escalating easily treatable conditions into serious issues. This, combined with the inadequacy of the healthcare budget further exacerbates the situation. It falls upon the government and concerned agencies to restore and improve healthcare provisions to ensure they are accessible and affordable. Strengthening PHCs is essential, as they are the closest healthcare facilities to the people and serve as the first line of defence against health issues.
The discussion concluded with a call to action for policymakers, healthcare providers, and stakeholders to prioritise the enhancement of PHCs. PSHAN, through the Adopt-A-Healthcare Facility Programme (ADHFP), remains committed to advocating for robust healthcare infrastructure to ensure every Nigerian has access to quality healthcare services, irrespective of economic challenges.
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