Planning priorities and health care delivery in Nigeria

Economic development had grave as well as beneficial effects on the health of a nation. While it might enhance health standards through better prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases, it could endanger health via new eating habits and a tempo of life not conducive to healthy living. These effects of development necessitate rational health planning, the main ingredients of which are manpower planning, physical planning to ensure an even and equitable distribution of medical facilities between urban and rural localities, measures to integrate traditional and orthodox medical practices and financial planning to ensure an adequate allocation of funds to the health sector. In spite of official declarations of intentions to effect a comprehensive health coverage for Nigeria, financial allocation and planning priorities have failed to reflect this. Planned capital expenditure for the health sector has consistently hovered around the 2% mark, only attaining 4.6% in the second development plan, 1970-1974. This low priority accorded the health sector manifests itself in inadequate medical manpower, facilities and coverage of the population by modern medical services. Meeting the health needs of the Nigerian population requires a substantial financial allocation, the integration of modern and traditional medical practices and the reorganisastion and improved management of medical facilities.