NATIONAL OPEN UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA

Plot 91, Cadastral Zone, Nnamdi Azikiwe Express Way, Jabi Abuja

B.Sc (Ed) Health Education

COURSE HED106 HEALTHCARE DELIVERY SYSTEM IN NIGERIA

Course Writer: Dr. A.I. Hassan

Department of Physical and Health Education,
Bayero University, Kano
[email protected]

Course Editor: Prof. F.B. Adeyanju

Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education,
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Content Page
Cover page………………………………………………………………………….. 1
Table of content…………………………………………………………………… 2
Introduction……………………………………………………………………….. 3
Course competencies..…………………………………………………………….. 3
Course objectives……………………………………………………………. …… 3
Working through this course………………………………………………………. 4
Study units………………………………………………………………………… 4
References and further reading…………………………………………………… 5
Presentation schedule…………………………………………………………....... 8
Assessment……………………………………………………………………........ 8
Tutor Marked Assignment (TMA)………………………………………………… 9
Final examination and grading……………………………………………………. 9
How to get most from the course…………………………………………………. 9
Study guide ………………………………………………………………..………. 10
Facilitation………………………………………………………………..………. 10

Module 1: Overview of healthcare delivery system……………………........... 12

Unit 1: Concept of healthcare delivery system……………………………. 12
Unit 2: Characteristics of healthcare system……………………………..... 17
Unit 3: Resources for healthcare delivery………………………………..... 21

Module 2: Healthcare Services………………………………………….......... 22

Unit 1: Scope of healthcare services…………………………………......... 22
Unit 2: Basic healthcare services………………………………………….. 31
Unit 3: Healthcare providers………………………………………………. 34

Module 3: Structure and organisation of healthcare in Nigeria…………........... 39

Unit 1: Structure of healthcare system……………………………………… 39
Unit 2: Healthcare facilities………………………………………………… 43
Unit 3: Healthcare regulators……………………………………………….. 48

Module 4: Patterns of healthcare………………………………………………. 54

Unit 1: Patterns of healthcare delivery system……………………………… 54
Unit 2: Alternative and complimentary healthcare………………………….. 60
Unit 3: Factors influencing choice of healthcare patterns…………………… 64

Module 5: Management of healthcare system………………………………….. 69

Unit 1: Overview of healthcare management……………………………….. 69
Unit 2: Task of the health managers…………………………………............ 74
Unit 3: Public health laws……………………………………………............ 79

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 COURSE GUIDE

Introduction
Despite Nigeria’s economy and position’s in Africa, the health care system of the
country is greatly underserved. For many years, the Nigerian healthcare system has
suffered several decay such as poor organisational structure, inadequate
facilities/equipment and untrained/unskilled medical personnel especially in the rural
areas. While various reforms have been put forward by the Nigerian government to
address the wide ranging issues in the healthcare system, they are yet to be implemented
at both federal state and local government area levels. This course explains the nature
of Nigerian healthcare system, the services provided, medical care options available for
the citizens, factors affecting the choice of medical options and management of
healthcare system.

Course Competencies

The aim of this course is to train you to understand the nature of Nigerian healthcare
delivery system and the services provided in order to guide people on how to make wise
choice on the healthcare services and patterns available to them.
 Identification of various patterns of health care delivery system in Nigeria.
 Analysis of various situations and factors that influence the choice/decisions people
make in time of illness,
 Identification of benefits and problems encountered in the various pattern of health
care delivery system.

Course Objectives
By the end of this course, you should be able to:
1. Describe the nature and characteristics of healthcare system in Nigeria
2. Describe types of services provided in health facilities for treatment and management
of infectious and chronic diseases.
4. Explain the organisation and structure of healthcare system in Nigeria.
5. Identify different patterns of healthcare system in Nigeria.
6. Identify factors affecting making decision in the choice and patterns of healthcare.
7. Describe the managerial process and tasks expected of healthcare managers.
8. Have a comprehensive knowledge of the theoretical foundations and qualitative tools
of the areas of specialisation, as well as the ability to apply this knowledge to address
actual problems
9. Demonstrate problem-solving capacity through critical, innovative and creative
thinking in the area of study.
10. Be adequately equipped with relevant knowledge and skills to effectively function
and practice as high level manpower in health care delivery.

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Working through this course:
To successfully complete this course, read the study units, listen to the audios and
videos, do all assessments, open the links and read, participate in discussion forums,
read the recommended books and other materials provided, prepare your portfolios, and
participate in either face to face facilitation in your centre or the online facilitation.

Each study unit has introduction, intended learning outcomes, the main content,
conclusion, summary and references/further readings. The introduction will tell you
the expectations in the study unit. Read and note the intended learning outcomes
(ILOs). The intended learning outcomes tell you what you should be able to do at the
completion of each study unit. So, you can evaluate your learning at the end of each
unit to ensure you have achieved the intended learning outcomes. To meet the intended
learning outcomes, knowledge is presented in texts, video and links arranged into
modules and units. Click on the links as may be directed but where you are reading the
text off line, you will have to copy and paste the link address into a browser. You can
download the audios and videos to view off line. You can also print or download the
texts and save in your computer or external drive. The conclusion gives you the theme
of the knowledge you are taking away from the unit.

There are two main forms of assessments – the formative and the summative. The
formative assessments will help you monitor your learning. This is presented as in-text
questions, discussion forums and Self-Assessment Exercises.

The summative assessments would be used by the university to evaluate your academic
performance. This will be given as Computer Based Test (CBT) which serves as
continuous assessment and final examinations. A minimum of three computer based
tests will be given with only one final examination at the end of the semester. You are
required to take all the computer-based tests and the final examination.

Take notes when reading and listening to the video clips. You may use your note pad
and pen, or Microsoft Word document in your computer or use Google drive while
studying. This will help you create and organise your portfolio. Should you encounter
any technical challenge while studying, contact the technical support in the direction or
links provided.

Study Units
There are fifteen (15) study units in this course divided into five modules. The modules
and units are presented as follows.

Module 1: Overview of Healthcare Delivery System

Unit 1: Concept of Healthcare Delivery System

Unit 2: Characteristics of Healthcare System
Unit 3: Resources for Healthcare Delivery

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Module 2: Healthcare Services

Unit 1: Scope of Healthcare Services

Unit 2: Basic Healthcare Services
Unit 3: Healthcare Providers

Module 3: Structure and Organisation of Healthcare in Nigeria

Unit1: Structure of Healthcare System

Unit 2: Healthcare Facilities
Unit 3: Healthcare Regulators

Module 4: Patterns of Healthcare

Unit 1: Patterns of Healthcare Delivery System

Unit 2: Alternative and Complimentary Healthcare
Unit 3: Factors influencing Choice of Healthcare Patterns

Module 5: Management of Healthcare System

Unit 1: Overview of Healthcare Management
Unit 2: Task of the Health Managers
Unit 3: Public Health Laws

References and Further Reading

The following reference links are provided for further readings.

Akhtar; R. (1991). Health care patterns and planning in developing countries.

Greenwood Press, pp. 264

Barrett, S., London, W.M., Kroger, M., Hall, H. & Baratz, R.S. (2013). Consumer
health: A guide to intelligent decision (9th Ed.). New York: McGraw Hill. Pp
34-35

Bombardieri, D. & Easrhospe, E. (2000). Convergence between orthodox and

alternative medicine: A theoretical elaboration and test. Health, 4(4): 479-494

Cook, R.I., Render, M. & Woods, D. (2000). Gaps in continuity of care and progress
on patients safety. BMJ, 320(7237): 791-794

Development Health Research (1990). Essential link to equity in development. New

York: Oxford University Press.

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Drug Expert (2017). www.https://drugxpert.blogspot.com/2017/07/type-hospital-
nigeria.htm

DrugExpert (2017). www.https://drugxpert.blogspot.com/2017/07/type-hospital-

nigeria.htm

Eke, M. (2019). Understanding Nigerian’s health insurance scheme. Punch

newspaper, May, 28. www.puncng.com

European Union (2004) "Directive 2004/24/EC of the European Parliament and of the
Council". Official Journal of the European Union..

Federal Medical Centre Abeokuta (2011). A Case Study in Hospital Management pp

1". 2011.

Frenk, J. (2010). The global health system: Strenthening national health systems as the
next step for global progress. PLoS Med. 7:e1000089

Garcia, M.J. (2010). International law and agreements: Their effect ppon U.S. Law.
Washington: Congressional Research Service. Available from:
http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/ RL32528.pdf.

Gostin, L.O. (2008). Public health law: Power, duty, restraint (2nd ed). Barkeley, C.A:
University of California Press

Haddock, C. & Carter(2002). A brief history of healthcare management. Achieved at

the Wayback Machine

http://web.mlscn.gov.ng/index.php/mlscn-mandate/

https://www.ehorecon.gov.ng/Code-of-Ethics
https://www.floridatechonline.com/blog/healthcare-management/healthcare-financial-
planning/

https://www.healthknowledge.org.uk/public-health-textbook/organisation-
management/5d- theory-process-strategy-development/

https://www.legit.ng/1209726-functions-pharmaceutical-society-nigeria.html
https://www.legit.ng/1217137-regulatory-bodies-nigeria-functions.html

https://www.mdcn.gov.ng/page/about-us/brief-history

https://www.mrtb.gov.ng/en/about-mrtb/Statutory functions -of-the-Board

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https://www.nmcn.gov.ng/function.html

https://www.slideshare.net/BikashGyawali4/role-of-ngos-in-health-service-delivery

Jill, B. & Lesley, D. (2012). Leadership in health care. Sage Publications Ltd;
ISBN 1446207633.

Kabir, M. (2004). Basic facts on health management. Kano: Gidan Dabino Publishers.

Last, J.M. (1993). A dictionary of epidemiology. Oxford University Press. New York.

Lucas, A.O & Giles, H.M. (2003). Short text book of public health for the tropics. (4th
ed), New York: Oxford University Press

Moulton, A.D., Goodman, R.A. & Parmet, W.E. (2007). Perspectives: law and great
public health achievements. In: Goodman RA, Hoffman RE, Lopez W,
Matthews GW, (Eds). New York: Oxford university press.

National Health Insurance SchemOxford University Presse Decree No 35 of 1999.

Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.
http://www.nigerialaw.org/National%20Health%20Insurance%20Scheme%20
Decree.htm.

Osain, M. (2011). The Nigerian health care system: Need for integrating adequate
medical intelligence and surveillance system. J Pharm Bioallied Sci, 3(4):
470–478. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3249694/

Paul, M.N (2010). Public health law basics. Public Health Law Center. Available
from http://phlc.stylefish.com/topics/public-health-law-basics .

Piotrowicz, M. & Cianciara, D. (2013). The role of non-governmental organizations in

the social and the health system. Przegl Epidemiol. 2013;67(1):69-74, 151-5.

Rothstein, M. Foster, & K.L. (2008). Law in public health practice. (2nd ed). New
York: Oxford University Press

Sampson, W. (1995). Anti-science trends in the rise of alternative medicine

movement. Annals of the New York academy of science. 775(1): 188197

Shapiro, R. (2010). Suckers: How alternative medicine make fool of all of us. Random
House. ISBN: 9781409059165

Shuval, J. T. & Averbuch, E. (2012). Complementary and alternative healthcare in

Israel. Israel journal of health policy research. 1(7): 7

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Simons-Morton, B.G., Greene, W. H & Gottlieb, N. H. (1995). Introduction to health
education and health promotion. Illinois: Waveland Pr Inc

White, F. (2015). Primary health care and public health: Foundations of universal
health Illinois systems. Medical Principle Practice. 24: 103-116

WHO (1985). Health manpower requirements for the achievement of “Health for All
“by year 2000. Technical report series No. 717.

WHO (1986). Regulatory mechanism for nursing training and practice meeting:
Primary health needs. Geneva: WHO

WHO (2000). World health report 2000-Health systems: improving performance.

Geneva: WHO. http://ww.who.int/200/en/index.html

WHO (1989). Management of human resources for health: Technical report series No
783. Geneva: WHO

Williams, B. (2007). Remarks by John Hopkins University president. Health care 08:
What’s promise, what’s possible”. September, 2007.

Presentation Schedule
The presentation schedules gives you the important dates for the completion of your
computer-based tests, participation in forum discussions and participation at
facilitation. Remember, you are to submit all your assignments at the appropriate time.
You should guide against delays and plagiarisms in your work. Plagiarism is a criminal
offence in academics and is highly penalised.

Assessment
There are two main forms of assessments in this course that will be scored: the
Continuous Assessments and the final examination. The continuous assessment shall
be in three fold. There will be two Computer Based Assessments. The computer-based
assessments will be given in accordance to university academic calendar. The timing
must be strictly adhered to. The Computer Based Assessments shall be scored a
maximum of 10% each, while your participation in discussion forums and your portfolio
presentation shall be scored maximum of 10% if you meet 75% participation.
Therefore, the maximum score for continuous assessment shall be 30% which shall
form part of the final grade.

The final examination for HED 106 will be maximum of two hours and it takes 70 per
cent of the total course grade. The examination will consist of 70 multiple choice
questions that reflect cognitive reasoning.

Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMA)

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There are three Tutor-Marked Assignments in this course. You are required to submit
the assignments for grading need to submit the three assignments for grading. Two best
scores shall be selected from the three TMAs for use as your continuous assessment
score. The maximum score for the three TMAs shall be 30%.

If you have a challenge starting the assignments or submitting at the due dates, you may
request for extension from your facilitator.

Final Examinations and Grading

The final examination for HED106 will be for three hours and it makes 70 per cent of
the total course grade. The examination will consist of questions that reflect the types
of self-assessment and Tutor-Marked exercises you have previously encountered. All
areas of the course will be assessed. Deploy time between finishing the last unit and
sitting for the examination to revise the entire course. You may find it useful to review
your self-assessment exercise and comments by your tutorial facilitators before the
examination. The final examination covers information from all from all parts of the
course.

How to Get the Most from the Course

To get the most in this course, you need to have a personal laptop and internet facility.
This will give you adequate opportunity to learn anywhere you are in the world. Use
the Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) to guide your self-study in the course. At the
end of every unit, examine yourself with the ILOs and see if you have achieved what
you need to achieve.

Carefully work through each unit and make your notes. Join the online real time
facilitation as scheduled. Where you missed the scheduled online real time facilitation,
go through the recorded facilitation session at your own free time. Each real time
facilitation session will be video recorded and posted on the platform.

In addition to the real time facilitation, watch the video and audio recorded summary in
each unit. The video/audio summaries are directed to salient part in each unit. You can
assess the audio and videos by clicking on the links in the text or through the course
page.

Work through all self-assessment exercises. Finally, obey the rules in the class.

Study Guide

Module Unit Week Activity Time

Study Read the Study Guide
Guide

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Module Unit Week Activity Time
Module 1 1 1 Concept of healthcare delivery system 2 hours
2 2 Characteristics of healthcare system 2 hours
3 3 Resources and health care personnel 2 hours
TMA 1
Module 2 1 4 Scope of healthcare services 2 hours
2 5 Basic healthcare services 1hour
3 5 Healthcare providers 1 hour

Module 3 1 6 Structure of healthcare system 2 hours

2 7 Healthcare facilities 2 hours
3 8 Healthcare regulators 2 hours
TMA 2
Module 4 1 9 Patterns of healthcare delivery system 2 hours
2 10 Alternative and complimentary healthcare 2 hours
3 11 Factors influencing choice of healthcare patterns 2 hours
Module 5 1 12 Overview of healthcare management 2 hours
2 13 Task of the health managers 2 hours
3 14 Public health law 2 hours
TMA 3
15 Revision 2 hours
16 & Exam
17
Required Total Hours of Study 30 hours

Facilitation
You will receive online facilitation. The facilitation is learner centred. The mode of
facilitation shall be asynchronous and synchronous. For the asynchronous facilitation,
your facilitator will:

 Present the theme for the week;

 Direct and summarise forum discussions;
 Coordinate activities in the platform;
 Score and grade activities when need be;
 Upload scores into the university recommended platform;
 Support you to learn. In this regard personal mails may be sent;
 Send you videos and audio lectures; and podcast.

For the synchronous:

 There will be eight hours of online real time contact in the course. This will be
through video conferencing in the Learning Management System. The eight
hours shall be of one-hour contact for eight times.

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  At the end of each one-hour video conferencing, the video will be uploaded for
view at your pace.
 The facilitator will concentrate on main themes that students must learn in the
course.
 The facilitator is to present the online real time video facilitation time table at
the beginning of the course.
 The facilitator will take you through the course guide in the first lecture at the
start date of facilitation

Do not hesitate to contact your facilitator. Contact your facilitator if you:

 do understand any part of the study units or assignment.
 have difficult with the self-assessment exercises.
 have a question or problem with an assignment or with your tutor’s comments

Also, use the contact provided for technical support.

Read all the comments and notes of your facilitator especially on your assignment;
participate in the forums and discussions. This gives you opportunity to socialize with
others in the programme. You can raise any problem encountered during your study. To
gain maximum benefit forum your course facilitation, prepare a list of questions before
the discussion session. You will learn a lot from participating actively in the discussions.

Finally, respond to the questionnaire. This will help the university to know your areas
of challenges and how to improve on them for the review of the course materials and
lectures.

MODULE 1 HEALTHCARE DELIVERY SYSTEM

There is a wide variety of health systems around the world. It is therefore necessary for
each country to design and develop health systems in accordance with their needs and
resources. Nigeria as a nation operates a pluralistic health care delivery system
(orthodox and traditional health care systems). Despite huge development in the health
care system in Nigeria in relation to the last decades, much is still needed to be done in

11
the health sector. This is evident in the various health indicators outlined in mortality
and morbidity from several outbreaks of diseases. We shall discuss this in details in this
module.

Unit 1 Concept of Healthcare Delivery System

Unit 2 Characteristics of Healthcare System
Unit 3 Resources for Healthcare Delivery

UNIT 1 CONCEPT OF HEALTHCARE DELIVERY

SYSTEM
Contents
1.0 Introduction
2.0 Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
3.0 Main Content
3.1 Healthcare Delivery System
3.2 Challenges for Health Care Delivery System
3.3 Healthcare System in Nigeria
3.4 Characteristics/Indicators of Healthcare in Nigeria
4.0 Self-Assessment Exercise
5.0 Conclusion
6.0 Summary
7.0 References/Further Reading

1.0 INTRODUCTION
In this unit, you will learn about the concept of healthcare system, which aims at
ensuring that all people obtain the health services they need without suffering financial
hardship when paying for them. Also, in this unit, you will learn the meaning of
healthcare delivery system and the general characteristics of healthcare system, with
more emphasis on Nigerian context.

1.0 INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs)

By the end of this unit, you will be able to:

 appraise the nature of healthcare delivery system

 describe what makes up a healthcare delivery system in Nigeria.
 identify basic services provided by healthcare delivery system.

2.0 MAIN CONTENT

3.1 Healthcare Delivery System

Healthcare system is the organisation of people, institutions, and resources that deliver
healthcare services to meet the health needs of target populations. There is a wide
variety of health systems around the world with different organisational structures.

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Therefore, countries should design and develop health care system in relation to their
needs and resources, although common elements in virtually all health systems are
primary healthcare and public health measures. In some countries, health system is plan
and distributed to private organisations. In others, there is a concerted effort by
governments, trade unions, religious and charity organisations, and other co-ordinated
bodies to deliver planned health care services targeted to the populations they serve.

According to WHO, healthcare systems' goals are good health for the citizens,
responsiveness to the expectations of the population, and fair means of funding
operations. Progress towards them depends on how the systems carry out four vital
functions;
1. provision of health care services,
2. resource generation,
3. financing, and
4. stewardship.

Other dimensions for the evaluation of health systems include quality, efficiency,
acceptability and equity. They have also been described in the United States as “the five
C’s. Cost, Coverage, Consistency, Complexity, and Chronic Illness. Furthermore,
continuity of health care is a major goal.

3.2 Challenges for Health Care Delivery System

The challenge that exists today in many countries is to reach the whole population with
adequate health care services and services and to ensure their utilisation. The “large
hospital” which was chosen hitherto for the delivery of health services have failed in
the sense that it serves only a small part of population.
Therefore, it has been aptly said that large hospitals are more ivory towers of diseases
than centers for the delivery of comprehensive health care services. Raising cost in
maintenance of these large hospitals and their failure to meet the total needs of the
community have led many countries to seek ‘alternative’ models of health care delivery
with a view to provide health care services that are reasonably inexpensive, and have
the basic essentials required by rural population.

3.3 Healthcare System in Nigeria

Nigeria as a nation operates a pluralistic health care delivery system (orthodox and
traditional health care delivery systems). Orthodox health care is a western type of
scientific medicine which is made up of hospitals, clinics and primary health centres
and it is provided by private and public sectors. The traditional healthcare is non-
scientific health care that involves use of herbal materials or plant materials as active
ingredients to cure ailment.

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Fig. 1.1: Traditional Medicine
Source: https://guardian.ng/features/poor-funding-weak-regulation-cripple-efforts-to-
develop-traditional-medicine/

However, the provision of health care in the country remains the functions of the three
tiers of government: the federal, state, and local government. The primary health care
system is managed by the 774 local government areas (LGAs), with support from their
respective state ministries of health as well as private medical practitioners. The
secondary health care system is managed by the ministry of health at the state level. The
tertiary primary health care is provided by teaching hospitals and specialist hospitals.
The secondary and tertiary levels, also work with voluntary and nongovernmental
organizations, as well as private practitioners (Osain, 2005).

3.4 Characteristics/Indicators of healthcare in Nigeria

According to Osain (2011), the characteristics of Nigerian health care system is that
they are:

(a) Predominantly, urban-oriented

(b) Mostly curative in nature. Although, health services should cover the full
range of preventive, curative and rehabilitative services.
(c) Accessible mainly to a small part of the population.
(d) Health services are not organised to meet the needs of the entire populations but
merely selected groups
.
4.0 SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISE
1. Delivering a planned healthcare services targeted to the populations is a
concerted effort of all the following except:
(a) Governments
(b) Secondary school students
(c) Trade unions
(d) Religious organizations
2. Nigeria as a nation operates a _______________ health care delivery system
(a) Systematic
(b) Secular
(c) Informal
(d) Pluralistic

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Answers
1. (b)
2. (d)

5.0 CONCLUSION
Healthcare system need to be provided by all countries to cover the full range of
preventive, curative and rehabilitation services. To have a healthy citizens, healthcare
should plan to meet the needs of the entire populations and not merely selected groups.

6.0 SUMMARY
In this unit, you have learnt that healthcare system is the organization of people,
institutions, and resources that deliver health care services to meet the health needs of
target populations. You also learnt the goals of health care system, which aims to
provide provision of health care system in Nigeria remains the functions of the three
tiers of government; the federal, state and local governments. Furthermore, you learnt
that the provision of health care in Nigeria remains the functions of the three tiers of
government: the federal, state, and local government. You are also exposed to various
characteristic of health care system in Nigeria; predominantly urban-oriented, mostly
curative in nature, accessible to small part of the population, etc

7.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READING

Cook, R.I. Render, M. & Woods, D. (2000). Gaps in the continuity of care and progress
on patient safety. BMJ. 329(72237), 791-794

Frenk, J. (22010). The global health system strengthening national health systems as
the next step for global progress. PLoS Med. 7: e1000089.

Osain, M. (2011). The Nigerian health care system: Need for integrating adequate
medical intelligence and surveillance system. J Pharm Bioallied Sci, 3(4): 470–
478.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3249694/

White, F. (2015). Primary health care and public health: foundations of universal health
systems. Med Princ Pract. 24: 103–116. doi:10.1159/000370197.

World Health Organization. (2000). World Health Report 2000 – Health systems:
improving performance. Geneva, WHO
http://www.who.int/whr/2000/en/index.html

William, B. (2007). Remarks by Johns Hopkins University President: “Health care

’08: What promised/what’s possible?” 7 September 2007.

15
UNIT 2 CHARACTERISTICS OF HEALTHCARE
SYSTEM

Contents
1.0 Introduction
2.0 Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
3.0 Main Content
3.1 Characteristics of Healthcare System
3.1.1 Equity
3.1.2 Stewardship
3.1.3 Appropriate technology
3.1.4 Intersectoral Coordination
3.1.5 Community Participation
4.0 Self-Assessment Exercise
5.0 Conclusion
6.0 Summary
7.0 References/Further Reading

1.0 INTRODUCTION
To provide health to all citizens and to achieve the global vision of health development
on the basis of social justice, it is the responsibility of governments to ensure that health
resources are available to the highest level. Therefore, this unit explains equity in
distribution and allocation of health resources, community participation in promotion
of their health, intersectonal coordination, application of appropriate technology in the
provision of healthcare and stewardship as a major characteristics of healthcare delivery
system.

2.0 INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs)

By the end of this unit, you will be able to:
 identify the features the features of healthcare system in Nigeria.
 compare the features of healthcare delivery system in Nigeria and other countries
 describe the characteristics of healthcare system.

3.0 MAIN CONTENT

3.1 Characteristics of Healthcare System

To achieve the global vision of health development on the basis of social; justice, with
slogan “Health for All”, it is the responsibility of government to ensure for all its
citizens, the highest level of health on the bases of available resources. According to
Park (2011), healthcare delivery system should have the following
features/characteristics:
1. Equity
2. Community participation
3. Intersectoral coordination
4. Appropriate technology
5. Stewardship.

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 Characteristics of Healthcare System

Community Intersectoral Appropriate

Equity Stewardship
Participation Participation Technology

Fig. 1.2: Characteristics of Healthcare System

3.1.1 Equity
What comes to your mind regarding equity as a characteristic of healthcare system?

According to WHO (1978), term equity in health simply means fairness and justice, but
three different meanings are attached to this term:
1. Equity to health status of families, communities and population groups: This
refers to equality in the provision of health care services between; urban and rural
area, Muslims and Christians, rich and poor and among tribes
2. Equity to allocation of resources: This refers to allocation of financial resources
fairly to the entire population taking note of the special needs and
disadvantaged groups.
3. Equity in utilisation of health care services: This refers equal opportunity to
access and receipt of health care irrespective of geographical location, social and
economic status.

3.1.2 Community Participation

This refers to involvement of individuals, families, and communities’ in promotion of
their own health and welfare. There must be a community effort to secure meaningful
involvement of the community in the planning, implementation and maintenance of
health services, besides maximum reliance on local resources such as manpower,
money and materials. In short, primary health care must be built on the principle of
community participation.

3.1.3 Intersectoral Coordination

Intersectoral coordination refers to involvement of all related sectors and aspects of
national and community development in the provision of health system, such as
agriculture, animal husbandry, food, education, housing, industry, communication,
public works and other sectors. There is an increase realisation of the fact that
components of healthcare alone cannot be provided by the health sector alone. To
achieve such cooperation, countries may have to review their administrative system and
introduce suitable legislation to ensure that cooperation takes place.

3.1.4 Appropriate Technology

17
Appropriate technology has been defined as “technology that is scientifically sound,
adaptable to local needs, and acceptable to those who applied it and for whom it is
used, and that can be maintained by people themselves in keeping with the principle of
self-reliance with the resource the community and country can afford”. Many countries
built large and luxurious hospitals that are totally inappropriate to the local needs, and
this consumed huge part of the national health budget, effectively blocking any
improvement in general health services. This also applies to using procedures,
equipment and neglecting cheaper scientifically valid and acceptable available ones viz,
oral rehydration fluid, stand pipes which are socially acceptable, and financially more
feasible than house—to—house connections, etc.

3.1.5 Stewardship
This is good leadership to health sector which mobilize action to achieve government
policies and programmes to alleviate poverty and social deprivation, create an enabling
environment for health by ensuring that people have the basic requirements of
maintaining good health including food, safe and adequate water supply, sanitation,
housing and guaranteeing access to affordable healthcare (Park, 2011).

4.0 SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISE

Match the following as appropriate:

1.
Equity Involvement of individuals,
families and the communities

Involvement of other
Community
agencies on health issues in
Participatio
addition to health sector
n
Intersectoral Fairness and justice
coordination

Appropriate Using equipment, procedures

technology and techniques that is
2. scientifically valid and
acceptable

Answer

18
1.
Equity Involvement of individuals,
families and communities

Involvement of other
Community
agencies on health issues in
Participatio
addition to health sector
n
Intersectoral Fairness and justice
coordination

Using equipment, procedure

Appropriate and techniques that are
technology scientifically valid and
acceptable

5.0 CONCLUSION
For healthcare system to function effectively and to achieve global coverage for all
citizens irrespective of gender, ethnicity and socioeconomic status, health resources
should be provided in the spirit of equity, community participation, intersectoral
coordination, application of appropriate technology and stewardship .

6.0 SUMMARY
In this unit, you have learnt that government should allocate human and financial
resources fairly to the entire population taking note of the special needs and the
disadvantaged groups. To achieve this, the community should be involved in the
planning, implementation and maintenance of health services, beside maximum
reliance on local resources such as manpower, money and materials. You also learnt
that all related sectors and aspects of national and community development such as
agriculture, animal husbandry, food, industry, education, housing, public works,
communication and others sectors should be involve in the provision of healthcare.
Meanwhile, application of technology that is scientifically sound, adaptable to local
needs, and acceptable to those who apply it and those for whom it is used is very
paramount in the provision of health care.

7.0 REFERENCE/FURTHER READING

Park, K (2011). Characteristics of healthcare system: Park’s textbook on
th
preventive and social medicine. (12 ed). Jabalpur: M/S Banarsidas Bhanot
Publishers

19
UNIT 3 RESOURCES FOR EFFECTIVE HEALTHCARE
DELIVERY
Contents
1.0 Introduction
2.0 Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
3.0 Main Content
3.1 Resources for Effective Healthcare Delivery
3.1.1 Financial Resources
3.1.2 Material Resources
3.1.3 Management Resources
3.1.4 Health Personnel
4.0 Self-Assessment Exercise
4.0 Conclusion
6.0 Summary
7.0 References/Further Reading

1.0 INTRODUCTION
Countries differ in provision and maintenance of health resources to its citizen. In some
countries, health care is provided exclusively by government while in other countries
government provides some services, but individuals and communities pay for other
services. Therefore, this unit explains financial, material resources, managerial
resources and health personnel as resources for effective healthcare delivery.

2.0 INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs)

By the end of this unit, you will be able to:
 describe the resources required for effective service delivery in healthcare
system
 identify the personnel required for effective healthcare delivery and their
responsibilities.

3.0 MAIN CONTENT

3.1 Resources for Effective Healthcare Delivery

The resources required by the health services include finance, manpower, material and
management.

3.1.1 Financial Resources

The financing of health services can be in different forms. In some countries, healthcare
is provided as a welfare service which is paid mostly from government revenue or
compulsory insurance schemes. In some cases government provides some general
public health services, but individuals and communities must pay for other items of
healthcare.

Furthermore, some services are being subsidised by government and other services paid
for by individuals either directly or through insurance schemes. In some developing

20
countries like Nigeria, the funds that are available for the health sector are very limited
and inadequate to provide all the services that are desired by the community. Therefore,
difficult and painful choices have to be in allocating these scarce resources. Ideally
such judgements should be made objectively, giving highest priority to the most cost-
effective way of achieving the desired goals and distributing the resources with a sense
of social justice, to ensure that the most needy are served (Park, 2011).

3.1.2 Material Resources

Material resources are buildings, drugs, vaccines, consumables and other equipment
required for the efficient delivery of healthcare system. A difficult issue to resolve is
the correct balance between expenditure for buildings and capital equipment on the one
hand and the running costs of the services on the other hand.

In many developing countries including Nigeria, there is a tendency to invest too

heavily in lofty buildings and expensive equipment, often poorly maintained, whilst
relatively few funds are left for the purchase of drugs, vaccines and other essentials.
Careful planning is also required for the purchase, storage and distribution of drugs
which would meet the most important needs of the service, concentrating initially on
simple, safe remedies of proven the value at reasonable cost (Park, 22011).

3.1.3 Management Resources

Management resources are authorities that skilfully manage health care institutions at
all level from the most peripheral unit to the central office at the headquarters of the
Ministry of Health. They can be health workers and other administrative staff that
devote their time in dealing with administrative and other managerial issues. Moreover,
training in management is essential for health workers especially those who are placed
in position of authourity and supervision.

In small units, the health workers would need to devote some of their time to dealing
with administrative and other managerial issues. In large units such as large tertiary
hospitals, trained administrators can make a useful contribution to the management of
the services (Park, 2011).

3.1.4 Health personnel

A team of personnel with different skills who are working together in pursuance of
common goals are required in various component of health services. Some of these
personnel are usually described as professionals.

21
Fig. 1.3: Health Personnel
Source: https://www.shutterstock.com/image-vector/vector-modern-illustration-
character-design-doctor-336106529

Others are described as sub-professional or auxiliary personnel. The auxiliary health

worker is trained to perform a number of specific tasks under supervision. In order to
meet the special needs, some health practitioners take bold innovative. For example, in
some remote communities, where no doctors are available, nurses have been trained to
perform emergency caesarean sections and other life-saving obstetric procedures.

Tasks of health personnel

According to Park (2011), the tasks to be performed include:
- Leadership in health matters
- Health promotion within the community
- Education of the public
- Specific interventions especially those requiring knowledge and skills, e.g
prophylaxis, diagnosis, treatment including surgery and rehabilitation
- Monitoring and evaluation of services, outcomes and impacts

Types of health personnel

The following are health personnel providing healthcare services:
- Doctors
- Medical laboratory scientists/laboratory technician
- Dentists/dental therapist
- Nutritionist and dietetics
- Nurses
- Community health extension workers
(CHEWs)
- Pharmacists/technician
- Environmental health officers/technician (EHO/EHT)
- Physiotherapists
- Health promoters/educators
- Radiographers/X-ray technician
- Health record officers

22
- Public health practitioners
- Other auxiliary staff

4.0 SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISE

1. What are the resources required for effective service delivery in healthcare
system?
2. Identify ten personnel required for effective healthcare delivery

Answers
1. Resources required for effective service delivery in healthcare system:
- Financial resources - Health personnel
- Material resources - Management resources

2. Types of health personnel:

- Doctors - Medical laboratory scientists/laboratory
technician
- Dentists/dental therapist - Nutritionist and dietetics
- Nurses - Community health extension workers (CHEWs)
- Pharmacists/technician - Environmental health officers/technician
(EHO/EHT)
- Physiotherapists - Health promoters/educators
- Radiographers/X-ray technician - Health record officers
- Public health practitioners - Other auxiliary staff

5.0 CONCLUSION
The basic resources required for effective service delivery in healthcare system includes
financial resources, material and managerial resources and health personal. No
healthcare system will achieve its goal without adequate provision of these resources.

6.0 SUMMARY
In this unit, you have learnt that the financing of the health services in some countries
is provided as a welfare service which is paid for almost exclusively from government
revenue or compulsory insurance schemes; to other countries, government provides
some general public health service, but individuals and communities must pay for other
items of health care. You also learnt that in most communities there is a mixture, with
some services being subsidised by the government and other services paid by
individuals either directly through voluntary insurance schemes. This unit has exposed
you to building (facilities) and equipment, drugs, vaccines, and other consumables
materials required for efficient healthcare delivery. You also learnt that each
component of the health care service requires a team of medical personnel with different
skills, who are working together in pursuance of common goal.

7.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READING

Park, K. (2011). Park’s textbook of preventive and social medicine. (21st ed.). Jabalpur:
M/s Banarsidas Bhanot Publishers.

23
MODULE 2 HEALTHCARE SERVICES
You could recall that in module 1, you learnt about the meaning of healthcare delivery
system, characteristics and challenges facing healthcare system in Nigeria. You also
learnt about human and material resources required for effective healthcare
management. However, in this module, you will learn about the five (5) major
components of health services i.e health education, social welfare, curative, preventive,
and special services; and basic healthcare services need to be provided by all countries
as a key for attainment of “health for all”. The major healthcare providers i.e
government , National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Private Health Sectors and
Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) will also be discussed in this module.

Unit 1 Scope of Healthcare Services

Unit 2 Basic Healthcare Services
Unit 3 Healthcare Providers

UNIT 1 SCOPE OF HEALTHCARE SERVICES

Contents
1.0 Introduction
2.0 Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
3.0 Main Content
3.1 Scope of Healthcare Services
3.1.1 Curative Services
3.1.2 Preventive Services
3.1.3 Special services
3.1.4 Social welfare
3.1.5 Health Education
4.0 Self-Assessment Exercise
5.0 Conclusion
6.0 Summary
7.0 References/Further Reading

1.0 INTRODUCTION
This unit explains the five major components of health care services. This includes;
curative services, preventive services, special services, social welfare and health
education as services provided by healthcare system.

2.0 INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs)

By the end of this unit, you will be able to:
 explain why healthcare services are provided.
 enumerate the major components of healthcare delivery system.
 identify the types of services provided in each component of healthcare system
in Nigeria.

3.0 MAIN CONTENT

24
3.1 Scope of Healthcare Services
It is convenient to group the elements of health services in to five major components:
i. Curative Services- providing care for the sick
ii. Preventive services- for protection of health of the population
iii. Special services- dealing with specific problems (e.g. malnutrition) or special
groups (e.g. pregnant women)
iv. Social welfare- providing support services for the disadvantaged groups
(e.g chronic sick, mentally and physically handicapped, orphans, etc.
v. Health Education- giving the people essential information to modify their
behaviour in matters affecting their health

Scope of Healthcare Services

Curative Preventive Special Social Health

services services services welfare education
Fig. 2.1: Scope of Healthcare Services

3.1.1 Curative Services

The curative services deal with the cure of the sick members of the population. There
is tendency to regard them as the most important element of the health services- they
are usually in greatest demand by the public and in planning of health services there is
tendency to commit an unduly high proportion of resources in them.

Fig. 2.2: Curative Healthcare Service

Source: https://www.verywellhealth.com/curative-care-2615157 (ER Productions
Limited/Getty Images)

3.1.2 Preventive services

25
Park (2011) stated that preventive services are designed to maintain and protect the
health of the population. They include:
1. Personal protection (e.g immunization)
2. Environmental sanitation (e.g water supply, waste disposal)
3. Specific disease control (e.g infectious: typhoid, tapeworm; non-infectious:
goitre).
4. Education

Fig. 2.3: Immunisation; A Form of Preventive Services

Source: https://askthepaediatricians.com/2015/08/childhood-immunizations-
questions-and-answers-2/

Contrary to curative services which are provided for the sick, the preventive services
are directed at the entire population. Whereas many people appreciate the value of
curative services, it is often difficult to convince them of the value of preventive
services. Furthermore, whereas sick persons, especially those experiencing
uncomfortable symptoms, will readily seek medical care, it is not always easy to
persuade healthy persons to take preventive measures for their own protection. It is an
important duty of the health personnel to educate individuals and the community on the
value of preventive services, to persuade the community to make appropriate
investments in environmental sanitation or susceptible individuals to accept
immunisations (Lucas & Gilles, 2014).

3.1.3 Special Services

Special services are designed to address the needs of specific groups and to deal with
problems that deserve particular attention. The services for people with special needs
include those for: children and mothers workers (e.g. migrant labourers); the elderly;
the handicapped. This services may be provided to deal with special problems like:
tuberculosis; malnutrition; leprosy; blindness, mental illness; sexually transmitted
disease (Parks, 2011).

26
Fig. 2.4: Children's Special Health Care Services
Source: https://www.grandtraverse.org/604/Childrens-Special-Health-Care-Services-C

3.1.4 Social welfare

Social welfare aims to provide welfare and protection to needy groups, for example
children and young persons; women and young girls; it also provides probation and
aftercare services for young offenders, endeavouring to place them in employment
whenever possible. Welfare service schemes provides financial assistance schemes
provide financial assistance to the aged, the chronic sick, the physically and mentally
handicapped, the widows and orphans and the unemployed (Parks, 2011).

3.1.5 Health education

The aim of health education is to encourage people to value health as a worthwhile asset
and to let them know what they can do as individuals and communities to promote their
own health. In effect health education is designed to alter attitudes and behaviour in
matters concerning health. The more people know about their health, the better they are
able to take appropriate measures in such personal matters as diet, drugs, use of alcohol,
and hygiene. They are also enabled to make the most appropriate use of health services
and to participate in making rational decisions about the operations of health services
within their community Lucas & Gilles, 2014).

27
Fig. 2.5: Health Education
Source: https://www.toppr.com/guides/essays/essay-on-health-education/

4.0 SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISE

Watch the video in the box below from beginning to end, and determine the nature of
the two major components of healthcare system

Click on the link in the box to watch the video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b
L7uF27ZqNM

5.0 CONCLUSION
To cater for all needs and problems of individual, family, community or society in
general, the healthcare system should provide curative services, preventive services,
special services, social welfare and health education.

6.0 SUMMARY
In this unit, you learnt that it is convenient to group the elements within each health
services into five major components. This includes curative services, preventive
services, special services, social welfare and health education. Preventive services are
designed to maintain and protect the health of the population, curative services deal
with the care of the sick members of the population while special services are designed
to cope with the needs of specific groups and to deal with problems that deserve
particular attention. You also learnt that special services provide welfare and protection
to needy groups, for example children and young persons, women and young girls;
health education aims to encourage people to value health as a worthwhile asset and to

28
let them know what they can do as individuals and communities to promote their own
health

7.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READING

Lucas, A.O & Gilles, H. A. (2014). A short textbook of public health for the tropics.
Boca Raton: CRC.

Park, K. (2011). Park’s textbook of preventive and social medicine. (21st ed). Jabalpur:
M/s Banarsidas Bhanot Publishers.

29
UNIT 2 BASIC HEALTHCARE SERVICES
Contents
1.0 Introduction
2.0 Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
3.0 Main Content
3.1 Basic Healthcare Services
4.0 Self-Assessment Exercise
5.0 Conclusion
6.0 Summary
7.0 References/Further Reading

1.0 INTRODUCTION
You could recall that you learnt about the five major components of health care services
(preventive services, curative services, special services social welfare and health care)
in Unit 1 of this module. Therefore, this unit highlights the basic healthcare services
need to be provided by countries as a key for attainment of “health for all”.

1.0 INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs)

By the end of this unit, you will be able to:
 describe the basic services required for all citizens regardless of gender,
ethnicity, religion and social class.
 apply the principles of providing basic healthcare services to the community.

2.0 MAIN CONTENT

3.1 Basic Healthcare Services

Basic health care services are defined in Alma-Ata Conference in 1978 as essential
healthcare made universally accessible to individuals as acceptable to them, through
their full participation and at a cost the community and the country can afford. The basic
healthcare services are provided through Primary Health Care (PHC). This approach
came into existence following international conference at Alma-ta (USSR). This is
known as “Primary Health care”. It was first proposed by Bhore committee in 1946
(Simons-Morton, Greene, & Gottlieb, 1995).

Furthermore, Simons-Morton, Greene and Gottlieb (1995), stated that the concept of
provision of basic health care through PHC was been accepted by all countries as key
to attainment of health for all by 2000AD. It is also been accepted as integral part of
country’s health system. Although specific services provided vary in different countries
and communities. The Alma-Ata declaration has outlined 8 essential components of
basic health care provided under the umbrella of PHC, as follows

(1) Education concerning prevailing health problems and the method of preventing
and controlling them (Health Education).
(2) Promotion of food supply and proper nutrition
(3) An adequate supply of safe water and basic sanitation
(4) Maternal and child health care, including family planning

30
(5) Immunisation against major infections
(6) Prevention and control of locally endemic diseases
(7) Appropriate treatment of common diseases and injuries
(8) Provision of essential drugs

Fig. 2.6: Basic Health Services

Source: https://www.von.gov.ng/nigeria-launches-basis-healthcare-provision-fund/

4.0 SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISE

Fill in the gap with appropriate information.
1. PHC as essential health care made universally accessible to individuals as
acceptable to them, through___________________
2. ______________________________, ________________________ and
______________________________ are components of PHC

Answer
1. “their full participation and a cost the community and the country can afford”
(a). Education concerning prevailing health problems and the method of preventing
and controlling them (Health Education).
(b). Promotion of food supply and proper nutrition
(c) Maternal and child health care, including family planning
(d) Immunization against major infections
(e) Prevention and control of locally endemic diseases
(f) Appropriate treatment of common diseases and injuries
(g) Provision of essential drugs
(h) An adequate supply of safe water and basic sanitation
(Any 3 of the above)

5.0 CONCLUSION
It has been accepted by all countries that the 8 basic healthcare services of PHC are keys
to attainment of health for all. Therefore, for any country that want to attain this goal, it
has to integrate part of this basic services into the country’s health system.

6.0 SUMMARY
In this unit, you have learnt the basic healthcare services that are provided through
primary health care (PHC). You also learnt that the Alma-Ata declaration has outlined
8 essential components of basic health care services, as follows: education concerning
31
prevailing health problems and the method of preventing and controlling them (Health
Education), promotion of food supply and proper nutrition, an adequate supply of safe
water and basic sanitation, maternal and child health care, including family planning,
immunization against major infections prevention and control of locally endemic
diseases, appropriate treatment of common diseases and injuries and provision of
essential drugs

7.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READING

Simons-Morton, B. G., Greene, W. H & Gottlieb, N. H. (1995). Introduction to health
education and health promotion.

https://www.amazon.com/Introduction-Health- Education-Promotion/dp/0881338451

UNIT 3 HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS

32
Contents
1.0 Introduction
2.0 Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
3.0 Main Content
3.1 Healthcare Providers
3.1.1 Government
3.1.2 National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS)
3.1.3 Private Health Sectors
3.1.4 Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)
4.0 Self-Assessment Exercise
5.0 Conclusion
6.0 Summary
7.0 References/Further Reading

1.0 INTRODUCTION
Having understood the basic healthcare services for attainment of “health for all” in the
previous unit, this unit will highlight the four major sectors or agencies that provide
healthcare for the prevention of diseases, maintenance and promotion of health, they
include, government, national health insurance scheme, private sectors and non-
governmental organisations. The role of each sector in the provision of healthcare
services are highlighted in this unit.

2.0 INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs)

By the end of this unit, you will be able to:
 identify the governmental and non-governmental agencies responsible for
provision of healthcare in Nigeria
 explain the roles of each agency in the provision of healthcare.

3.0 MAIN CONTENT

3.1 Healthcare Providers
In Nigeria, health care providers are represented by four major sectors or agencies
which differ from each other by health technology applied and by the source of funds
for operation. These are::
1. Government
(a) Primary Health Care
Primary Health Center
Sub- centres
(b) Hospitals/Health Centers
Community Health Centres
Rural Hospitals
District Hospital/Health Centers
Specialist Hospitals
Teaching Hospitals
2. Health Insurance Schemes
Employees Insurance
Central Govt. Health Scheme

33
3. Private sector
(a) Polyclinics, nursing home, dispensaries
(b) Specialist hospitals, general practitioners and clinics
4. NGOs/ Voluntary organisations
(a) International NGOs
(b) National/local NGOs
(c) Community Based Organisations (CBOs)

Healthcare Providers

Non-
Government National Governmental
Health Private health Organisations
Insurance sectors (NGOs)
Scheme

Fig. 2.7: Healthcare Providers

3.1.1 Government
Healthcare provision in Nigeria is a concurrent responsibility of the three tiers of
government in the country i.e federal, state and local governments. The federal
government's role is mostly limited to coordinating the affairs of the university teaching
hospitals, Federal Medical Centres (tertiary healthcare) and specialists hospital such as
national orthopaedic hospitals, national eye centres, national psychiatric hospital,
among others. The state government manages the various general hospitals (secondary
healthcare) and few specialist hospitals under the state ministry of health, hospital
management board and other agencies within the state. The local government focuses
on dispensaries, health unit and health post (primary healthcare), which are coordinated
by the local government health department through State Primary Health Care
Management Board (SPHCMB).

3.1.2 National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS)

Health insurance scheme refers to a programme that covers or shares the expenses
associated with healthcare of individuals. It is on the basis of the need to ensure effective
healthcare services to all Nigerians at an affordable cost that the Federal Government
established the National Health Insurance Scheme under Act 35 of 1999.

The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) is an agency established for the purpose
of facilitating easy access of health care services to all Nigerians. AS an effort by the
federal government to revitalize the worsening state of health (Eke, 2019)

The objectives of the scheme were to;

1. Ensure that every Nigerian has access to good health care services2
2. Protect Nigerians from financial burden of medical bills
3. Reduce the cost of healthcare services
34
4. Ensure efficiency in health care services
5. Ensure equitable distribution of healthcare costs among different income group.
6. Maintain high standard healthcare delivery services within the scheme.
7. Improve and harness private sector participation in the provision of health care
services
8. Ensure adequate distribution of healthcare facilities within the federation.
9. Ensure the availability of funds to the health sectors for improved services.
The contributions of employees to the programme depends on the earning of the
employees. In Federal Government agencies, the employer pays 3.25 per cent while
employee pays 1.75 per cent, representing five per cent of the employees consolidated
salary. For agencies in other tiers of government as well as organised private sector, the
employer pays 10 per cent while the employee pays 5 per cent, representing 15 per cent
of the employee’s consolidated salary (Eke, 2019).

3.1.3 Private Health Sectors

Private healthcare is a healthcare provided by entities other than the government. On
the other hand, private healthcare can sometimes be more efficient than public sector
provision. Meanwhile, the private health sector operates as private hospitals,
polyclinics, clinics nursing home, dispensaries, general practitioners and specialist
health centres.

Ethical issues relating to private healthcare primarily concerns the argument that the
seriously ill be entitled to spend money on saving their lives. In Nigeria, private
healthcare can sometimes be more efficient than public sector provision. Private
operators may be more innovative in areas such as telemedicine. Due to the profit
motive, they can be more productive. Patients usually didn’t stay on the cue for long
hours waiting for medical consultation. The friendly behaviour of staff and doctors are
the main reason for people relying on private health care centers (Akhtar, 1991).

3.1.4 Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)

The main tasks of NGOs in the health system are providing services and health
advocacy. Provision of services includes medical, social and psychological services as
well as, integration activities, material and financial support, educational and
information services and training. Other roles of NGOs includes, health advocacy is a
combination of individual and social actions designed to gain political commitment,
policy support, social acceptance and systems support for a particular health goal or
program. An important task carried out by NGOs is participation in the formation of
health policy.

There are many international and national NGOs that provide health care services in the
area of disease prevention, health promotion, provision of logistics and training in
Nigeria, such as Center for Disease Control, Society for Family Health, Save the
Children, Adolescents Health Information Center, Community Health Research
Initiatives, Nigerian Red Cross Society, among others. These NGOs get their fund from
international governments, foundations and philanthropists that have concern on health
issues. Examples includes United Stated Agency for International Development

35
(USAID), Department for International Development (DFID), European Union (EU),
Bill and Melinda Gate Foundation, etc.

Click here to view slide on role of NGOs in healthcare delivery:

https://www.slideshare.net/BikashGyawali4/role-of-ngos-in-health-service-delivery

4.0 SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISE

1. Which of the following is not an example of NGO:
(a) International NGOs
(b) Polyclinics NGOs
(c) National/local NGOs
(d) Community Based Organisations (CBOs)

2. The following are objectives of National Health Insurance Scheme except:

(a) Limit the rise in the cost of health care services
( )
(b) Ensure adequate distribution of health facilities within the Federation
( )
(c) Maintain high standard of health care delivery services
( )
(d) To improve intersectoral approach
( )

Answer:
1. b

2. d

5.0 CONCLUSION
Healthcare cannot be provided by government alone. Therefore, provision of healthcare
to all citizens should be a collective responsibility of government, national health
insurance scheme, private sectors and NGOs.

6.0 SUMMARY
You could recall that in this unit, you have learnt that provision healthcare in Nigeria is
a collective responsibility of the 3 tiers of government, namely; federal, state and local
governments. You also learnt that Health Insurance Scheme as a healthcare provider
provides programmes that covers or shares the expenses associated with healthcare of
individuals on the basis of the need to ensure effective service delivery to all Nigerians
at an affordable cost. Meanwhile, the healthcare which is provided by entities other than
the government is regarded as private healthcare. Furthermore, you learnt that private
healthcare can sometimes be more efficient than public sector provision. Meanwhile,
the NGOs on the other hand provides medical, social and psychological services as well
as, integration activities, care and nursing, material and financial support, educational
and information services and training.
7.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READING

36
Akhtar; R. (1991). Health care patterns and planning in developing countries.
Greenwood Press, pp 264

Eke, M. (2019). Understanding Nigeria’s health insurance scheme. Punch newspaper,

May 28. www.puncng.com

Last, J.M. (1993). A dictionary of epidemiology. New York: Oxford University Press.

National Health Insurance Scheme Decree No 35 of 1999. Laws of the Federation of

Nigeria. http://www. nigerialaw. org/ National % 20
Health%20Insurance%20Scheme%20Decree.htm.

Piotrowicz, M. & Cianciara, D. (2013). The role of non-governmental organizations in

the social and the health system. Przegl Epidemiol, 67(1):69-74, 151-5.

MODULE 3 STRUCTURE AND ORGANISATION OF

37
 HEALTHCARE IN NIGERIA
In module 2, you learnt about the 5 major components of health services and the basic
healthcare services needed by all countries as a key for attainment of “health for all”.
You also learnt about the major healthcare providers i.e Government, National Health
Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Private Health Sectors and Non-Governmental
Organisations (NGOs). However, in this module, you will be exposed to levels of
healthcare system in Nigeria such as Primary Health Care (PHC), Secondary Health
Care (SHC) and Tertiary Health Care (THC). Meanwhile, the two types of healthcare
facilities used in managing ill-health conditions: acute and chronic healthcare facilities
will be highlighted. The health regulatory bodies that provide standards for different
health profession and organisations and protect the rights of consumers and workers
will also be discussed in this module.

Unit 1 Structure of Healthcare System

Unit 2 Healthcare Facilities
Unit 3 Healthcare Regulators

UNIT 1 STRUCTURE OF HEALTHCARE SYSTEM

Contents
1.0 Introduction
2.0 Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
3.0 Main Content
3.1 Structure of Healthcare System
3.2 Levels of Healthcare System in Nigeria
3.2.1 Primary Health Care (PHC)
3.2.2 Secondary Health Care (SHC)
3.2.3 Tertiary Health Care (THC)
4.0 Self-Assessment Exercise
5.0 Conclusion
6.0 Summary
7.0 References/Further Reading

1.0 INTRODUCTION
You could recall that you learnt about the agencies providing healthcare and their
responsibilities in the Module 2. This unit will equipped you with levels of healthcare
system in Nigeria, tiers of government responsible for managing each level and Ill-
health conditions treated or manage at each level of healthcare.

2.0 INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs)

By the end of this unit, you will be able to:
 Adequately explain the categorisation of levels of healthcare system in Nigeria
 Identify the tiers of government responsible for managing each level
 Identify the ill-health conditions to be managed at each level.

38
3.0 MAIN CONTENT

3.1 Structure of Healthcare System

This is categorisation of health system based on health care provider and facilities
involved in the provision of health services. The health care facilities are categorized
into three; primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare based on the qualifications of the
providers and nature of the health facilities. Meanwhile, this categorisation is also based
on the types of illness and conditions managed and treated. This means that the health
care providers and facilities varies from one another.
Nigeria’s health care system is overseen and managed at three distinct levels. The
federal government is responsible for tertiary care, which is mainly provided by
university teaching hospitals, federal medical centres and other specialist health centers.
Nigeria’s 36 states and the federal capital territory of Abuja are each responsible for
their own secondary care facilities, mainly in the form of general hospitals, while the
774 local government areas focus on primary health care that is administered primarily
through dispensaries, health units and health posts. On the surface, the clear delineation
of responsibilities by hierarchy should result in greater accountability and fit-for-
purpose provision. Yet critics of this three-tiered structure argue that it can result in
budgetary leakages, overlap inefficiencies and blame passing.

3.2 Levels of Health Care System in Nigeria

Healthcare system is categorised into three level; primary healthcare level, secondary
healthcare level and tertiary healthcare level.
i. Primary Health Care (PHC)
The equipment and facilities in PHC settings are few and less advanced. They
are just to diagnose and treat minor conditions. In most cases, the facilities are
not open for 24 hours and all the seven days of the week. Meanwhile, the staff
treat general diseases without much emphasis on speciality. The qualifications
of the health care providers have little or no years of experience in health care
provision except for the years spent in this setting. Most are fresh diploma and
certificate holders in different health courses.

The service provided by PHCs to the community are. The staff do not have
expertise in treating a particular disease or condition. However, they only treat
minor disease conditions. PHCs mainly focus on health prevention and
promotion, patient’s counselling etc. They also render services such as
immunization, antenatal care services, family planning, health education, sex
education, sanitation, etc. and most cases patients do not spend the night.

PHC always refers patients to secondary or tertiary healthcare centres on cases that are
beyond their capability. Government owned primary health care are managed and
controlled by the local government councils, which is called health centres and unit
hospitals (clinics). Most private own PHC are called clinics.

Primary health care centers in Nigeria are managed by the following personnel;
Community Extension Health Worker (CHEW), Environmental Health Workers (i.e.

39
EHA & EHO), pharmacy technician, x-ray technician, laboratory technician and village
health guides. In addition to that, the village “health team” bridges the cultural and
communication gap between the rural people and organised health sector.

ii. Secondary Health Care (SHC)

SHC includes government general hospitals and central hospitals and other private
hospitals, they provide special medical care to patients. They treat general diseases and
provide advance care compared to PHC centers. The health care provider s have
advanced degree, experience and training compared to PHC staff.
The facilities used in SHC are advanced and it employed more staff than PHC. Many
ailment can be diagnose and treated in the facilities. When a disease cannot be treated
or managed in SHC, they are referred to Tertiary Health Care (THC). They operate
24/7 render services in all units of speciality, such as emergency, neonatal care, obstetric
acute care, etc. patients can be admitted and stay in the hospital for many days, weeks,
months or years.

iii. Tertiary Health Care (THC)

This is a type of health care system provided by a specialists. General cases are treated
and consultative services re also provided to patients. The staff working in those
facilities have both advanced degrees and years of experiences in the service they
render.
The facilities in tertiary health care are advanced, very sophisticated and expensive.
THC is the biggest among the three level of health care system in terms of the number
of staff, equipment and structure. Some of them provide just one special service such
as orthopaedic services, eye specialist, dentist etc while some few may cover some more
such as national hospitals, teaching hospital and federal medical centre.

However, the service rendered by most FMC can be regarded as SHC. In addition, most
teaching hospitals are owned and managed by private or state government.

4.0 SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISE

i. What are the levels of healthcare system in Nigeria?
ii. What type of healthcare is provided at each level of the system?

Answer
1. (a) Primary healthcare (b) Secondary healthcare (c) Tertiary healthcare
2. (a) Primary healthcare Takes care of the treatment of minor conditions of
different diseases. It mainly focus on health promotion, patient’s counselling, etc.
It renders services such as family planning, immunization, ANC, etc. patients do not
spend the night.
(b) Secondary healthcare
Covers treatment of general diseases by providing more advanced care compared to
PHCs. It operates 24/7 and renders services in emergency, neonatal care, obstetric
acute care, etc. patients can spend nights in the hospitals as each often contain rooms
and beds for patients.

40
(c) Tertiary healthcare
Tertiary health care system provides general or specialized services. They do treat
general cases but can provide consultative services to patients. It the biggest among the
3 level of health care delivery in terms of the number of staffs, equipment and structure.
Some of them provide just one special service such as eye specialist, dentist etc.
5.0 CONCLUSION
Healthcare structure can be classified in to 3; primary, secondary and tertiary health
care. Classification of health care is based on the qualification of the provider and the
nature of the health facility. This categorisation is also based on the health care
providers involved in the provision of the health care. Hence, the disease to be treated
by one healthcare may not be treated in the other.

6.0 SUMMARY
In this unit, you have learnt that Nigeria’s healthcare system is overseen and managed
at three distinct levels; primary health care (PHC), secondary health care (SHC) and
tertiary health care (SHC) levels. You also learnt that majority of the PHCs are mostly
manage by local government councils, the facilities are usually few and not advanced,
they diagnose and treat minor conditions and the staff do not work around the clock and
not available every day. Furthermore, this unit exposed you to know that SHC are
managed by the State government, which include general hospitals and central
hospitals. Others include private hospitals. They treat general diseases by providing
more advance care compared to what is obtained in PHC. THC system provides
specialized or general service on ailments. They do treat general cases and provide
consultative services to patients. The facilities in tertiary health care are very
sophisticated and expensive.

7.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READING

Drugxpert (2017). Structure of health care delivery system in Nigeria.
www.https://drugxpert.blogspot.com/2017/07/type-hospital-nigeria.htm

Park, K. (2011). Park’s textbook of preventive and social medicine. (21st ed.). Jabalpur:
M/s Banarsidas Bhanot Publishers.

UNIT 2 HEALTHCARE FACILITIES

Contents
1.0 Introduction
2.0 Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

41
1.0 Main Content
3.1 Health Care Delivery Facilities in Nigeria
3.1.1 Acute Care Facilities
3.1.2 Chronic Care Facilities
4.0 Self-Assessment Exercise
5.0 Conclusion
6.0 Summary
7.0 References/Further Reading

1.0 INTRODUCTION

You could recall that you learnt about the structure and the categorisation of levels of
health care system in Unit 1 of this module. Therefore, in this unit, you will learn that
health facilities can be classified into two; acute health facility and chronic health
facilities. This unit explains health facilities based on management and services they
rendered. It also highlights ill-health conditions to be managed at each health facility.

2.0 INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs)

By the end of this unit, you will be able to:
 describe the nature of health facilities required to manage health conditions at
each level of care.
 identify the ill-health conditions to be managed by various healthcare facilities.

3.0 MAIN CONTENT

3.1 Health Care Delivery Facilities in Nigeria

Majority of Nigerians visit nearby medical centres when they are sick. Many do not
consider the quality of services that is rendered in these centre. The only thing they
consider is if the centre has medical personnel that will prescribe drugs for them. Others
consider the cost of service to make decision to visit a health facility, not minding the
quality of services rendered. However, there are many medical centres in Nigeria. The
medical centres are classified based on the management or the services they render.
Medical centres can be classified based as private hospitals or government hospitals.
On the other hand, health care facilities can be classified in to two: Acute care facilities
and chronic care facilities.

3.1.1 Acute Care Facilities

Acute health is a secondary health care where a patient receives active but short-term
treatment for a severe injury or episode of illness, an urgent medical condition, or during
recovery from surgery (Drugxpert, 2017).

Types of Acute care facilities

i.. Primary health centres
ii. Unit hospitals (clinics)
iii. General hospitals

42
iv, Central hospitals
v. Teaching hospital
vi Federal Medical Centre (FMC)

i. Primary health centres (PHC)

They are the most common health care facilities in Nigeria. They are found in both
villages, community and cities. However, their services are gradually declining in the
cities as more and bigger hospitals are springing up in these locations every now and
then. They are still very popular in the villages as their services are really helps the
villagers a lot, especially those that do not have access to big hospitals in the cities.

They are usually small in terms of structure. It may be a single flat with some few rooms
as offices and diagnosis room. Medical equipment at PHCs are usually those for
diagnosing minor ailment such as a sphygmomanometer, stethoscope, thermometer, etc.

Their major service is immunization (vaccination). However, due to the distance from
most hospitals to bigger hospitals in the cities, these health centres now carried out
antenatal care with baby delivery. Staff in these facilities are made of nurses, midwives,
community health extension workers (C.H.E.W), health care assistance.

ii. Unit hospital (clinics)

Unit hospitals are common in some selected villages that their population is putting a
challenge on the services rendered by primary health care centres. Other places where
they can be found include the tertiary institutions of learning. Sometimes, they are
bigger than health care centres based on structure. It may occupy a whole compound.

Unit hospitals have more equipment, which makes them more advanced than health
care centres. They can treat minor ailments including simple burns, wounds etc. They
may have a room or two with a bed to admit and treat a patient for some days. However,
the majority of their cases are outpatient.

Staff are made up of a doctor (who likely is not a specialist), a couple of nurses,
midwives, and health care assistance. However, the doctors can be up to two in some
locations. A good example of a clinic is Medical Reception Centre (M.R.S) in army
barracks. They offer medicals services to the Nigeria army as they are scattered
throughout army barracks.

iii. General Hospitals

This hospitals are very common in towns and cities. They are big establishments in
terms of structure. It can occupy a single building or a couple of blocks. They can treat
any kind of illness or injury. For medical conditions that are more than what they can
handle, they refer them to teaching hospitals or federal medical centers.

They have more equipment for carrying out operations, emergency conditions, with
ward for inpatient and outpatient care. They have many units such as pharmacy unit,
laboratory etc. Most general hospitals have between 50-100 beds for in-patients. They

43
may have ambulance for rescue operation. Staff include physicians, nurses,
pharmacists, physiotherapists, medical laboratory scientist etc.

iv. Central hospitals

Most central hospitals grew from general hospitals. They have bigger structures with
more specialist. The units are more advanced than those in the general hospitals.
Meanwhile, the qualifications of staff are similar with that of a general hospital but are
mainly the specialist in their various fields. Central hospital may be affiliated with
medical schools, nursing school, or allied health professions training program.

v. Federal medical centres(FMC)

They are federal owned hospitals that are scattered across the country. They operate
services similar to what central hospital do. Many of them are located in state capitals.

vi. Teaching Hospitals

These are primary training centres for physicians, pharmacists, physiotherapists,
medical laboratory scientists are train. The interns and residents who work under the
supervision of experienced physicians or pharmacists are also train in teaching
hospitals. They run services like that of a central hospital but with higher care given.
Staff are specialist in every field with bunch of experiences.

They have advanced and complicated equipment used in diagnosis and treatment
including many hospital beds as they render some advanced foam of care. Some
teaching hospitals in Nigeria have a landing spot for airplane ambulance including their
normal car ambulance.

Many of the physicians working there hold a teaching position at the university
affiliated with the hospital. Because of so many students in the hospital, it is very
common for medical students and residents to attend to patients. This can be a turn off
for many patients who may feel too many people know about their sickness and
conditions, which to some extent like invading patients’ privacy rights.

3.1.2 Chronic care facilities

This are hospitals that provide advanced and sometimes long term services to patients.
Examples includes:
i. Speciality centre
ii. Other speciality hospitals

i. Speciality centre
These set of hospitals are managed by either privates or government. Majority of the
hospitals in Nigeria are owned and managed by the government. Speciality centres are
hospitals that can treat just one medical condition. They are referred to as speciality
hospital because they know about such conditions very well as many specialist in that
field work there. For example, hospital for the eye may have a specialist in different
conditions that affect the eye. There will be some specialist that know how to treat
glaucoma, others cataract, and still others myopia and other conditions.

44
 ii. Other specialist hospitals

a. Maternity/paediatric hospitals
These are hospitals just for women, pregnant women, and nursing mothers. Some have
added family planning to the list of their services.

b. Prison hospitals
As the name implies, these hospitals are found in the prison for treating prison inmate.
(Drugxpert, 2017).

c. Psychiatric hospitals
d. Orthopaedic hospitals, etc

Click here for more information: www.https:// drugxpert.blogspot. com/ 2017/07/type-

hospital-nigeria.htm

4.0 SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISE

1. Healthcare facilities can be classified into ______________
facilities:
(a) Minor and major
(b) Equity and justice
(c) Acute and chronic
(d) National and international

2. ______________ are training centres for new physicians where pharmacy

interns and residents work under the supervision of experienced physicians or
pharmacist.
(a) Comprehensive health centers
(b) Teaching hospitals
(c) General hospital
(d) Unit hospitals
3. Watch the video and explain the types of healthcare facilities by clicking on the
link inside the box.

Click on the link in the box to watch the video

1.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dM1Q7vDXN3c
5.0 CONCLUSION
Health facilities are classified into acute or chronic health facility based on the types of
illness treated, services rendered, speciality of the health personnel and advance
technology use to manage health conditions.

6.0 SUMMARY

45
In this unit, you have learnt that health or medical centres in Nigeria are classified based
on the type of services they render. You also learnt that health care facilities can be
classified into two: Acute care facilities and chronic care facilities. Acute care facilities
sometimes provides temporary care to patients e.g health centres, unit hospitals (clinic)
general hospitals, teaching hospitals and federal medical centres (F.M.C). The chronic
health facilities provides advanced and sometimes long term services to patient. They
are called speciality centers e.g, maternity or paediatric hospitals, prison hospitals,
psychiatric centers, orthopaedic centers, among others.

7.0 SUMMARY
In this unit, you have learnt that health or medical centres in Nigeria are classified based
on the management or the services they render. You also learnt that health care facilities
can be classified in to two: acute care facilities and chronic care facilities. Examples of
acute care facilities sometimes includes health centres, unit hospitals (clinic) general
hospitals central hospitals, teaching hospitals and Federal medical centres (F.M.C). The
chronic health facilities provide advanced and sometimes long term services to patients,
they are called speciality centers e.g. maternity or paediatric hospitals, prisons hospitals,
psychiatric centers, orthopaedic centers, among others

7.0 REFERENCE/FURTHER READING

Drugxpert (2017). Different types of health care delivery facilities in Nigeria.

www.https://drugxpert.blogspot.com/2017/07/type-hospital-nigeria.htm

UNIT 3 HEALTHCARE REGULATORS

Contents
1.0 Introduction
2.0 Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
2.0 Main Content
3.1 Regulatory Bodies for Healthcare in Nigeria

46
 3.1.1 Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN)
3.1.2 Nurses and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN)
3.1.3 Community Health Practitioners Board Nigeria (CHPBN)
3.1.4 Environmental Health Officers Registration Council
(EHORECON)
3.1.5 Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN)
3.1.6 Medical Rehabilitation Therapy (Registration) Board (MRTB)
3.1.7 Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria
4.0 Self-Assessment Exercise
5.0 Conclusion
4.0 Summary
7.0 References/Further Reading

1.0 INTRODUCTION
This unit explains the meaning of health regulatory bodies as establishments that
provide standards for different health profession and organisations and protect the rights
of consumers and workers. In this unit, you will learn about the duties and
responsibilities of the following agencies in standardising and improving quality of
health profession practices: Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), Nurses
and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), Community Health Practitioners Board
Nigeria (CHPBN), Environmental Health Officers Registration Council
(EHERECON), Pharmacist Council of Nigeria (PCN), Medical Rehabilitation Board
(MRTB) and Nigerian Council for Medical Laboratory Scientists

1.0 INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs)

By the end of his unit, you will be able:
 identify the agencies regulating healthcare in Nigeria
 describe the duties and responsibilities of the regulating bodies in standardising
and improving quality of health profession practices.

2.0 MAIN CONTENT

3.1 Regulatory Bodies for Healthcare in Nigeria

Regulatory body is a public organisation or government agency that regulates conduct
of human activities. The regulatory bodies are established by the government executive
and legislators to implement different laws in various fields of human activity. They
implement social codes, economic laws, safety laws, environmental regulations;
criminal laws occupational health laws; professional laws, employment laws, among
others. The regulatory bodies protect the rights of the consumers and worker. They also
establish standards for different professions and organisations (Jordana, Fernández-i-
Marín, & Bianculli, 2018).

There are many regulatory bodies in health sectors in Nigeria, which influence the
activities and conduct of professionals in their profession. Any worker, consumer
businessman are obliged to follow laws sets by government or administration to

47
guarantee a safe environment, services and life to him and others. Furthermore, they
control the implementation of each of these laws.

The following are s examples of regulatory bodies that are concern with healthcare
delivery in Nigeria:
1. Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN)
2. Nurses and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN)
3. Community Health Practitioners Board Nigeria (CHPBN)
4. Environmental Health Officers Registration Council (EHERECON)
5. Pharmacist Council of Nigeria (PCN)
6. Medical Rehabilitation Therapy (Registration) Board (MRTB)
7. Nigerian Council for Medical Laboratory Scientists

3.1.1 Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN)

The functions of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria were expanded to include:

i. Providing guidelines on Minimum Standards of Medical and Dental Education

in Nigeria.
ii. Providing rules of professional conduct for Medical and Dental Practitioners in
Nigeria.
iii. Determining the standards of knowledge and skill to be attained by persons
seeking to become members of the medical or dental profession and reviewing
those standards from time to time as circumstances may permit.
iv. Securing and maintenance of registers of persons entitled to practice as members
of the medical or dental profession and the publication from time to time of lists
of those persons.
v. Reviewing and preparing from time to time, a statement as to the code of conduct
which the Council considers desirable for the practice of the professions in
Nigeria.

To read more click here https://www.mdcn.gov.ng/page/about-us/brief-history

3.1.2 Nurses and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN)

i. Indexing nursing and midwifery students on commencement of their training.
ii. Co-operate with recognised bodies interested in conducting new schemes for
Basic and Post Basic Education of Nurses and Midwives such as: National
Universities Commission, World Health Organisation, etc.
iii. Conduct Professional Examinations for Nurses and Midwives in Nigeria.
iv. Registers of all persons qualified to practice the discipline of Nursing and
Midwifery in Nigeria.
v. Conduct registration interviews for Nurses and Midwives trained outside Nigeria
who are seeking to practice in Nigeria.
vi. Issue and update Professional Practicing Licenses every three years to all cadres
of qualified Nurses and Midwives.
vii. Maintain discipline within the Nursing and Midwifery profession in Nigeria
through the Nurses and Midwives Tribunal.

48
 To read more click here: https://www.nmcn.gov.ng/function.html

3.1.3 Community Health Practitioners Board Nigeria (CHPBN)

i. Determine what standards of knowledge and skill are to be attained by persons
seeking to become members of the profession of community health and
improving those standards from time to time as circumstances may permit;
ii. Securing in accordance with the provisions of “act” of CHPBN the establishment
and maintenance of a register of persons registered under this Act as members
of the profession and the publication from time to time of lists of those persons;
iii. Conducting examinations in the profession and awarding certificates or diplomas
to successful candidates as are appropriate and for such purpose, the Board shall
prescribe fees to be paid in respect thereof; and

To read more click here: https://www.legit.ng/1217137-regulatory-bodies-nigeria-

functions.html

3.1.4 Environmental Health Officers Registration Council

(EHORECON)
i. Work with other citizens to uplift the human resource base of Environmental
Health profession and cooperate with other professionals in promoting efforts
towards health and development needs of the entire citizenry.
ii. Work to improve and preserve the Environment, alleviate poverty and to
promote public health.
iii. Discipline of members to bring integrity in the profession.
iv. Upholding minimum standards of professional practice and continuing
professional education.
v. Maintaining professional competence and demonstrate regard for the
competence of other members of the profession.
vi. Uphold the laws, which affect the practice of Environmental Health profession.
vii. Establishment of terms and conditions of employment for the profession.
viii. Adhere to the highest standards of personal ethics, which reflect creditably upon
my personality and accord due regard to my profession.

To read more click here: https://www.ehorecon.gov.ng/Code-of-Ethics

3.1.5 Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN)

i. Provide good quality pharmaceutical services for its members
ii. Maintaining high standard discipline and professional ethics among its members.
iii. Promoting and maintaining high standard of pharmaceutical education in the
country
iv. Promoting legislation to enhance the interest and image of the pharmacy
profession and practitioners.
v. Investigating acts of ethical misconduct and discipline among pharmacists and
making recommendations to national council.

49
vi. Evaluating pharmacy and drug statues that should match the practitioners
expectations

To read more click here: https://www.legit.ng/1209726-functions-

pharmaceutical-society-nigeria.html

3.1.6 Medical Rehabilitation Therapy (Registration) Board (MRTB)

The major statutory functions of the Board (MRTB) are as follows:
i. Regulation and control of professional practice of Physiotherapy, Occupational
Therapy, Speech Therapy and Audiology in Nigeria either hospital based or
otherwise.
ii. Determining what standards of knowledge and skill are to be attained by persons
seeking to become registrants of the relevant professions.
iii. Conducting examinations in the relevant profession and awarding Degree or
Diploma certificates to successful candidates as appropriate and prescription of
fees to be paid in respect thereof.
iv. Accreditation of academic and clinical programmes, for medical Rehabilitation
training and practice in the country.
v. Infiltrating discipline and decorum into the profession by enacting Medico-
leagal attributes of the Board, MRTB, for the protection of Registrants.
vi. Elimination of quackery through proper registration of Medical Rehabilitation
Therapy training and clinical premises and through surveillance and monitoring
activities.

To read more click here: https://www.mrtb.gov.ng/en/about-mrtb/Statutory-

Functions-of-the-Board

3.1.7 Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria

The function of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria include the
following:
i. To regulate the practice of medical laboratory sciences in Nigeria.
ii. To determine from time to time the standard of knowledge and skills to
be attained by persons seeking to become Medical Laboratory Scientist,
Medical Laboratory Technicians and Medical Laboratory Assistants
(referred to as scientist, technicians and assistance).
iii. To regulate the training of Scientists, Technicians and Assistance in any
institution in Nigeria and give periodic accreditation to institution.
iv. To provide and maintain separate register for Scientists, Technicians and
Assistants.
v. To regulate the production, importation, sales and stocking of diagnostic
laboratory reagents and chemicals.
vi. To access, evaluate and register foreign graduates of Medical Laboratory
Science.
vii. To conduct examinations for Technicians and assistants.
50
 viii. To inspect, regulate and accredit medical laboratories (public and private)

To read more click here: http://web.mlscn.gov.ng/index.php/mlscn-mandate/

4.0 SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISE

i. Identify the agencies regulating healthcare in Nigeria.
ii. What are the duties and responsibilities of any three (3) of the regulating bodies.

Answer
1.
a. Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN)
b. Nurses and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN)
c. Community Health Practitioners Board Nigeria (CHPBN)
d. Environmental Health Officers Registration Council (EHERECON)
e. Pharmacist Council of Nigeria (PCN)
f. Medical Rehabilitation Therapy (Registration) Board (MRTB)
g. Nigerian Council for Medical Laboratory Scientists.

2. Click the following links to find the duties and responsibilities of the health
regulating bodies in Nigeria:

https://www.mdcn.gov.ng/page/about-us/brief-history

https://www.nmcn.gov.ng/function.html

https://www.legit.ng/1217137-regulatory-bodies-nigeria-functions.html

https://www.ehorecon.gov.ng/Code-of-Ethics

https://www.legit.ng/1209726-functions-pharmaceutical-society-nigeria.html

https://www.mrtb.gov.ng/en/about-mrtb/Statutory-Functions-of-the- Board

http://web.mlscn.gov.ng/index.php/mlscn-mandate/

5.0 4.0 CONCLUSION

Being a health worker, a consumer or businessman, one is obliged to follow many laws
set by the health regulatory bodies to guarantee a safe environment, services and life to
all people.

6.0 SUMMARY
You could recall that in this unit, you have learnt that there are many regulatory bodies
in health sectors in Nigeria, which influence the activities and conduct of professionals
in their profession. In this unit, you also learnt that the regulatory bodies are established
by the executive arm of government and legislators to implement enforce laws in

51
various fields of human activity. Examples of regulatory bodies in health sectors in
Nigeria were highlighted in this unit. These includes; Medical and Dental Council of
Nigeria (MDCN), Nurses and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), Community
Health Practitioners Board Nigeria (CHPBN), Environmental Health Officers
Registration Council (EHERECON), Pharmacist Council of Nigeria (PCN), Medical
Rehabilitation (Registration) Board (MRTB) and Nigerian Council for Medical
Laboratory Scientists.

7.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READING

https://www.mdcn.gov.ng/page/about-us/brief-history

https://www.nmcn.gov.ng/function.html

https://www.legit.ng/1217137-regulatory-bodies-nigeria-functions.html

https://www.ehorecon.gov.ng/Code-of-Ethics

https://www.legit.ng/1209726-functions-pharmaceutical-society-nigeria.html

https://www.mrtb.gov.ng/en/about-mrtb/Statutory-Functions-of-the- Board

http://web.mlscn.gov.ng/index.php/mlscn-mandate/

Jordana, J. Fernández-i-Marín, X. & Bianculli, A. (2018). Agency proliferation and the

globalization of the regulatory state: Introducing a data set on the institutional
features of regulatory agencies. Regulation & Governance, 12 (4): 524–
540.

MODULE 4 PATTERNS OF HEALTHCARE

You could recall that in module 3, you learnt about the three (3) levels of healthcare
system in Nigeria such as Primary Health Care (PHC), Secondary Health Care (SHC)
and Tertiary Health Care (THC). You also learnt about the two types of healthcare
facilities: acute and chronic; and the health regulatory bodies that provide standards for
different health profession and organisations. However, in this module, the three (3)
major healthcare patterns i.e self-care, modern/orthodox and traditional healthcare
patterns, their benefits and weaknesses will be highlighted. The meaning, types,
efficacy and side effect of alternative and complementary healthcare, and factors
influencing decision people take on the choice of healthcare will be discussed in this
module.

52
Unit 1 Patterns of Healthcare Delivery System
Unit 2 Alternative and Complimentary Healthcare
Unit 3 Factors Influencing Choice of Healthcare Patterns

UNIT 1 PATTERNS OF HEALTHCARE DELIVERY

SYSTEM
Contents
1.0 Introduction
2.0 Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
3.0 Main Content
3.1 Health Care Delivery Patterns
3.2 Self-Care Behaviour
3.3 Modern/Orthodox Healthcare Pattern
3.3.1 Benefits of Orthodox or Modern Healthcare
3.4 Traditional Health Care Patterns
3.4.1 Benefits of Traditional Health Care
4.0 Self-Assessment Exercise
5.0 Conclusion
6.0 Summary
7.0 References/Further Reading

1.0 INTRODUCTION
Health care facilities are available in every nook and cranny of this nation but despite
this availability, people still differ in their approach to seeking health. In this unit, you
will learn about the major types of approaches used for delivering healthcare in Nigeria
such as self-care, modern and traditional healthcare. You will also learn about the
strength and weakness of each approach.

2.0 INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs)

By the end of this unit, you will be able to:

 describe various types of approaches used for delivering healthcare in Nigeria

such as self-care, modern and traditional healthcare
 identify the strength and weakness of each of this approach.

3.0 MAIN CONTENT

3.1 Health Care Delivery Patterns

Patterns of health care delivery system which refers to health seeking behaviour patterns
can be defined as a series of approaches or corrective measures which individuals
undertake to solve perceived ill-health (Mackian, 2003). Patterns of health care can also
be referred to process in which a person seeks to go to a doctor for medical support, so
that he/she is relieved and becomes well.

53
The health seeking behaviour of people depends upon existing health system as well as
how people perceive them. People decide whom to consult and when, whether to
comply with treatment or to change health care service provider using the existing local
health care systems. Health care can be sought in different sectors of the society, among
family and friends in the popular sector, from traditional healers in the folk sector,
and/or from health care staff in the professional sector.

3.2 Self-Care Behaviour

Self-care behaviour involves taking action by individual to prevent disease, maintain
and promote health. It is often concern with prevention or self-treatment for a particular
disease or health problems. It also include primary prevention in the absence of any
symptoms of diseases. Meanwhile, self-care includes activities of an individual(s) to
treat symptoms before/or instead seeking professional medical attention. Examples
includes; taking over the counter drugs for a cold or flu-like symptoms, drugs for
abdominal pain, headache, among others without medical prescription. It also includes
treating minor injuries such as cuts or bruises, scraps and twisted ankles when a person
does not think a health care professional is needed. Completing home treatments such
as changing a bandage or wound dressing, going to the rehabilitation exercises, or
avoiding foods that inflame an allergic reaction can also be regarded as self-care. An
important feature of self-care is that it involves active participation in the health care
progress.

3.3 Modern/Orthodox Healthcare Pattern

Modern health care services is a western type of scientific medicine which is made of
dispensaries, health posts, dressing stations, medical stations, maternity homes, rural
health centers cottage hospitals, general hospital, specialist hospitals and teaching
hospital at the apex. These are run by staff ranging from attendant, midwife health
auxiliary, nurse to the specialist consultant (Nguma, 2010).

Orthodox healthcare on the other hand use machines, devices or chemically pure
substances which when administered into the body produce pharmacological effects
which may consequently lead to alleviation of the disease or help in the diagnosis or
prevention of the disorder. Many current orthodox drugs have their origin from herbal
medicines, but the main difference between the two is that the herbal drugs contain a
large number of compounds, rather than a single pharmacologically active substance.

3.3.1 Benefits of Orthodox or modern healthcare

According to Nguma (2010) the following are benefits of orthodox healthcare:
 Quick and efficient trauma treatment.
 Alleviating symptoms of illness.
 Use of advance medical equipment/tools and flexibility in treatment options.
 Modern medicine is faster in action than the traditional herbal medicine.
 Modern medicine is considered to be much more effective than traditional herbal
and homeopathic treatment.
 It has advances in trauma treatment for saving life through surgery and other
emergency situations due to severe automobile accidents and natural disasters

54
 Modern medicine treats symptoms in addition to presenting illness in order to
alleviate patient discomfort and speed the healing process
 Advances in medical technology and tools allow doctors and other health
professional to quickly identify and diagnose a particular health problem. For
example, X-ray machines diagnose broken bones and determine the appropriate
treatment.

3.4 Traditional Health Care Patterns

The earliest form of healing substances had been traditional medicines or healthcare,
but with the advent of civilisation which had led to better scientific understanding of
diseases and medications, orthodox or modern healthcare have become the main and
well recognised products for the management of diseases in modern health systems.
Traditional healthcare (HTM) include herbs, herbal materials, herbal preparations, and
finished products that contain parts of plants or other plant materials as active
ingredients.

Similarly the World Health Organization (WHO) (2009) point out that many people in
Africa have traditionally believe that disease such as Malaria and injuries such as broken
bones have not only physical causes, but that they are also the result of spiritual forces.
This spiritual force may be some punishment from Gods or ancestral spirit or they be
sent by other people to harm their enemies through witchcrafts. Other misfortune such
as inability to have children, accidents and defeat in war may also have similar causes.
For this reasons, people may seeks for traditional healthcare because they believes that
this conditions cannot be cure through conventional healthcare. Traditional healthcare
through traditional healers can also help people out of worries, fear and unhappy
situation of the patient through explanations and gives him/her hopes.

In some instances, people that are utilizing traditional medicine have visited a modern
health facility as a first step. However, after initiating modern treatment and not cured,
then later they go for traditional or faith healer as well. Many people emphasized the
importance of social and cultural factors in contributing to the outcome of treatment.
Moreover, many Africans believe in and rely upon the services of indigenous healers
and spiritual comfort. Indigenous or herbalist, the diviners, indigenous priest oracle,
birth attendant, surgeon’s royalty, rainmaker, and other specialist attend to those who
seek their services.

Healer also use taboos, massage and incantations ritual recitation of charms)
ventriloquism (dummy) and purgative (treatment to clean or purge the body) in the
treatment of their patients. Their success is enhancing by their understanding of the
personal, culture, social, economic and political condition of the individual families and
institutions of their community in addition. Like the general practitioners in the western
biomedical tradition, the indigenous herbalist primarily diagnose ills prescribes
medications and applies appropriate treatment; divine and priest seek to understand the
spiritual and secular course of physical and mental illness, spiritual problems and poor
social relation (WHO, 2009).

55
3.4.1 Benefits of Traditional Health Care
According to WHO (2009), the following are benefits of traditional healthcare:
 More affordable than conventional medicine
 Easier to obtain than prescription medicine
 Stabilizes hormones and metabolism
 Natural healing
 Strength in immune system
 Fewer side effects
 Cost effective

4.0 SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISE

i. Briefly explain the three major health approaches to healthcare delivery in
Nigeria.
ii. Identify the three (3) benefits of each approach.

Answers:
1.
a. Self-care behaviour
b. Modern/orthodox healthcare pattern
c. Traditional health care patterns
a. Self-care behaviour
Self-care include the action taken to treat symptoms before/or instead seeking
professional medication attention. It also includes treating minor injuries such
as cuts or bruises, scraps and twisted ankles when a person does not think a
health care professional is needed.
b. Modern/orthodox healthcare pattern
Modern health care services is of western type of scientific medicine which is
made of dispensaries, health posts, dressing stations, medical stations, maternity
homes, rural health centers cottage hospitals, general hospital, specialist
hospitals and teaching hospital at the apex.

c. Traditional health care patterns

Traditional healthcare (HTM) include herbs, herbal materials, herbal
preparations, and finished products that contain parts of plants or other plant
materials as active ingredients. In today’s world, Herbal medicine most part
used to treating intense and constant sicknesses.
2. Benefits of Orthodox or modern healthcare include:
 Quick and efficient treatment of trauma
 Alleviation of illness symptoms
 Use of advanced medical tools and flexibility in treatment options.

 Modern medicine is faster in action than traditional herbal medicines.

 Modern medicine is considered to be much more effective than
traditional herbal medicine.

56
  Advances in treatment of trauma through modern medicine have life-
saving implications. Through adequate training and practice, surgeons
and nurses work together in emergency situations treating severe injuries
caused by accidents such as automobile crashes or natural disasters.

3. Benefits of traditional health care

 More affordable than conventional medicine
 Easier to obtain than prescription medicine
 Stabilizes hormones and metabolism
 Natural healing
 Strength in immune system
 Fewer side effects
 Cost effective

5.0 CONCLUSION
Health care can be sought from different sectors in the society, among family and
friends in the popular sectors, from traditional healers in the folk sector, and/or from
healthcare staff in the professional sector.

6.0 SUMMARY
You could recall that in this unit, you have learnt about the definition of patterns of
health care delivery system, which refers to series of approaches or corrective measures
which individuals undertake to resolve perceived ill-health. You also learnt that there
are three (3) basic approaches used as healthcare pattern, this includes; self-care,
modern and traditional healthcare. Self-care include the action taken to treat symptoms
before/or instead of seeking professional medication and attention, such as taking over
the counter medication for a cold or flu-like symptoms. Modern health care services is
of scientific medicine which is provided at primary, secondary and tertiary health care
centers by professional health workers. Meanwhile, traditional healthcare use herbal
materials and products that contain parts of plants or other plant materials as active
ingredients.

7.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READING

D’ Souza, R.M. (2003). Role of health-seeking behaviour in child mortality in the slums
of Karachi, Pakistan. J Biosoc Sci;35, 131-44.

Nguma, L.K. (2010). Health seeking and health related behaviour for type 2 diabetes
mellitus among adults in an urban community in Tanzania. PhD thesis, Univrsity
of Otago, Department of public health

Oladipo J. A. (2010). Determinants of health care utilization in the management of

Health Care Services: case study of Kwara State, Nigeria. Unpublished
Ph.D Dissertation.
57
World Health Organization (WHO) (2009). Traditional headers as community health
workers. Geneva: WHO

58
UNIT 2 ALTERNATIVE AND COMPLIMENTARY
HEALTHCARE
Contents
1.0 Introduction
2.0 Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
3.0 Main Content
3.1 Overview of Alternative Health Care
3.2 Types of Alternative Health Care
3.3 Efficacy of Alternative and Complementary Medicine
3.4 Side Effects of Complementary Medicines Use in Alternative Care
3.5 How to Prevent Side Effects of Complementary Medicines
4.0 Self-Assessment Exercise
5.0 Conclusion
5.0 Summary
7.0 References/Further Reading

1.0 INTRODUCTION
You could recall that you have learnt the three (3) basic approaches used as healthcare
pattern, which includes; self-care, modern and traditional healthcare in unit one of this
module. Therefore, this unit will explain to you the brief overview of alternative and
complimentary healthcare and various types of approaches used for prevention and
treatment for alternative and complimentary healthcare. The efficacy of alternative and
complimentary healthcare, its side effect, and people at risk and how to prevent the side
effect are also highlighted in this unit.

2.0 INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this unit, you will be able to:
 describe the nature of alternative and complimentary healthcare
 identify various types of approaches used for prevention and treatment for
alternative and complimentary healthcare
 highlight the side effects of alternative and complimentary healthcare.

3.0 MAIN CONTENT

3.1 Overview of Alternative Health Care

Alternative health care is a type of health care that provides a range of treatment and
products that are considered part of standard health care. Alternative health care can
work alongside with conventional diagnosis and treatment, but scientific evidence on
their use is limited, it is known by different terms including complementary health care.

The complementary and alternative medicine is used as group of diverse medical and
health care systems, practices, and products that have historic origins outside
mainstream medicine. Most of these practices are used together with conventional
therapies and therefore have been called complementary to distinguish them from
alternative practices, those used as a substitute for standard.

59
The type of medicines use as alternative health care include supplementary diet such as
vitamins and minerals, natural and herbal medicines, alternative and holistic remedies,
traditional remedies, homeopathic preparations and aromatherapy (essential)
oils. Alternative health care is an approach to health and well-being that uses methods
not considered part of traditional Western medical practices. As the name implies,
complementary health care should be used with, not in place of, the medical care
provided by a physician.

3.2 Types of Alternative Health Care

Alternative medicine practices may be classified by their cultural origins or by the types
of beliefs upon which they are based. Methods may incorporate or be based on
traditional medicinal practices of a particular culture, folk knowledge, superstition,
spiritual beliefs, belief in supernatural energies (antiscience), pseudoscience, errors in
reasoning, propaganda, fraud, new or different concepts of health and disease, and any
bases other than being proven by scientific methods. Different cultures may have their
own unique traditional or belief based practices developed recently or over thousands
of years, and specific practices or entire systems of practices.

i. Unscientific belief systems

Unscientific belief system is includes use of naturopathy or homeopathy in place
of conventional medicine. It is based on belief systems not grounded with
scientific facts or theories.

ii. Traditional medicine

Traditional medicine is considered alternative when it is used outside its home

region; or when it is used together with or instead of known functional treatment;
or when it can be reasonably expected that the patient or practitioner knows or
should know that it will not work – such as knowing that the practice is based on
superstition.

iii. Supernatural energies

This include beliefs in existence of supernatural enegies undetected by the
science of Physics, as in biofields, or belief in properties of the energies of
physics that are inconsistent with laws of physics, as in energy in medicine

3.3 Efficacy of Alternative and Complementary Medicine

There are many claims about the efficacy of alternative and complimentary medicines.
It is also claims that the product lacks quality and standardisation, and some companies
making unsubstantiated claims call into question the claims of efficacy of isolated
examples where there is evidence for alternative therapies. There is a general consensus
that alternative therapies lack the requisite scientific validation, and their effectiveness
is either unproved or disproved. However, researches on them is frequently of low
quality and methodologically flawed.

60
Alternative therapies do not "complement" (improve the effect of, or mitigate the side
effects of) functional medical treatment. Significant drug interactions caused by
alternative therapies may instead negatively impact functional treatment by making
prescription drugs less effective.

3.4 Side Effects of Complementary Medicines Use in Alternative Care

There are various types of side effects that have been identified due to utilisation of
complementary medicine, including abdominal pain, swelling, shortness of breath,
nausea, itchy skin, rash, redness of the skin and hives. Some can cause nausea, digestive
problems, bloating, allergic dermatitis, asthma and hay fever.

The way some complimentary medicines are used needs to be considered. Some side
effects may be caused by the way the medicine is used, rather than the medicine itself.
For example, some people who take blood thinning medicine after an essential oil
massage have reported significant bruising. In this case, it was most likely the massage,
rather than the essential oils, that was a cause of the bruising.

3.5 How to Prevent Side Effects of Complementary Medicines

To avoid putting ones health at risk, tell the healthcare professionals if one is using
complementary medicines. They will need to know:

 The type and name of the complimentary medicine when taking

 How often the medicine should be taken and the dose
 The amount of active ingredient in each dose
 For how long one should be taken the medicine and why it is taken
 The health benefits one is expecting from taken the medicine
 Tell health professional about any changes that one will notice after taken the
medicine
 If you are asked or advice by a healthcare professiona to stop taking the
medicine, you should not assume that they are biased against complementary
medicines.

3.5 People at Risk of Side Effect of Complementary Medicines

The people at risk of side effect of complementary medicines are:
 Pregnant women
 Lactating mothers
 Scheduled for an operation or medical investigation
 babies
 Very older person
 Diagnosed with a serious disease (or have been previously).

4.0 SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISE

Click on the link in the box to watch the video and answer the following questions:
1. Watch the video and explain the nature of alternative and complimentary
healthcare.

61
2. Identify types of approaches used for prevention and treatment for alternative
and complimentary healthcare.
3. List four side effects of alternative and complimentary healthcare.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHvofX-hotk

5.0 CONCLUSION
Utilisation of alternative and complimentary health depends on individual’s cultural
beliefs. Each culture have its own unique traditional or belief about some certain
diseases and health conditions based practices developed recently or over thousands of
years, and specific practices or entire systems of practices.

6.0 SUMMARY
You could recall that in this unit, you have learnt that alternative health care is a type
of healthcare that provide range of treatments and products that are not considered
standard health care. You also learnt that alternative medicine practices may be
classified by their cultural origins or types of beliefs upon which they are based. This
includes, unscientific belief system, traditional medicine, supernatural energies, and
religious faith healing/prayer. Furthermore, you lean that there is a general scientific
consensus that alternative therapies lacks efficacy and scientific validation. The side
effects of alternative medicine, which includes abdominal pain, rashes, nausea,
difficulty in breathing, among others are also learnt in this unit.

7.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READING

American Cancer Society (2009). Faith healing – making treatment decisions.

Barrett, S. London, W.M, Kroger, M., Hall, H. & Baratz, R.S. (2013)
Comsumer health: a guide to intelligent decisions. (9th ed). New York: McGraw-
Hill.

Rossa, L., Rosa, E., Sanner, L. & Barrett, S. (1998). A look at therapeutic touch.
JAMA, 279(13), 1005-1010

Sampson, W. (1995). Anti science trends in the rise of the alternative medicine
movement. Annals of New York academy of science. 775(1), 188-197

62
UNIT 3 FACTORS INFLUENCING DECISION PEOPLE TAKE ON THE
CHOICE OF HEALTH CARE DELIVERY SYSTEM
Contents
1.0 Introduction
2.0 Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
3.0 Main Content
3.1 Factors influencing Decision People take on the Choice of Health Care
Delivery System
3.1.1 Culture
3.1.2 Gender
3.1.3 Socio-Economic Status (SES)
3.1.4 Educational Level
3.1.5 Availability and Accessibility of Healthcare Facilities
3.1.6 Organisation Factors
4.0 Self-Assessment Exercise
5.0 Conclusion
6.0 Summary
7.0 References/Further Reading

1.0 INTRODUCTION
You could recall that in units 1 and 2 of this module, you learnt about different patterns
of health care system such as orthodox/modern health care, traditional health care and
alternative/complimentary health care. Therefore, this unit will expose you to the
factors influencing decision people take on the choice of healthcare system. This
includes; cultural belief, gender, socio-economic status, educational level, availability
and accessibility of health care facilities and other organisation factors.

2.0 INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs)

By the end of this unit, you will be able to:
 Describe the factors that may influence people’s decision or choice on various
healthcare patterns.

3.0 MAIN CONTENT

3.1 Factors Influencing Decision People Take on the Choice of Health Care
Delivery System
The choice or decision people make on the choice of health care services to use when
they are ill depends on number of factors. These factors influence the health seeking
behaviour pattern of the people. They are as follows:
- Culture
- Gender
- Socio-economic status
- Educational level
- Availability and accessibility of health care facilities
- Organisation Factor

63
3.1.1 Culture
A community’s culture influences its values, belief and customs which affected views
on general health and health services used. According to Oladipo (2010), behaviour
patterns such as acquisition of knowledge, belief, morals, customs and any other
capabilities and habits acquired as a member of society. These factors result to delay in
health seeking behaviour pattern and are more common amongst women, not only for
their own health but especially for their children’s as well. Culture generally affects
religious practices, social norms, languages, diet, family structure and social function,
preventive health services used for treatment.

3.1.2 Gender
Men are less likely to visit physician than women each year. Men are also more likely
to be diagnosed in a later stage of a terminal illness because of their reluctance to go to
the doctor. Some of the reasons given by men for not visiting health centers frequently
includes fear, embarrassment and avoidance of an experience in which they are not in
control (Abdullahi, 2007).

Furthermore, Abdullahi (2007) stated that some men are occupied by societal pressures
to act masculine. They feels that they have to prevail on situation that requires physical
strength and fitness. Men and women differs in the ways they cope with stressful
situations Some men appraise situation using the scheme of what is an acceptable
masculine response rather than what is objectively the best response.

3.1.3 Socio-Economic Status (SES)

Direct and indirect treatment costs are among the most commonly mentioned obstacles
to adequate health seeking behaviour of the poor from obtaining prompt and adequate
treatment, treatment compliance and access to preventive measures such as personal
and environmental hygiene. Even if direct costs are affordable or if medical services are
free, indirect costs (transport, special food, under the counter fees) can limit access to
treatment or lead patients of interrupt therapies. Persons of the relatively higher SES
know more danger signs and were more likely to bring their sick children to a health
facility than those who were relatively poor. Treatment costs are not only an obstacle
for adequate healthy-seeking of the poor; they also signify a higher border for the poorer
households compared to the more affluent (WHO, 2009).

High income earners are more self-sufficient in health matters and are better able to
benefits from technological advancement, their position enable them to obtain best
medical care, best hospitalisation and other health, while the low income families are
less self-sufficient in health, matters and are not able to benefit from technological
advancement because their position cannot enable them to obtain the best medical care
and other services necessary to the protection of their health which eventually leads to
health problems (WHO, 2009).

64
3.1.4 Educational Level
Better educated person have higher income than those with little or non-education.
Education improves the household’s allocative efficiency in producing health. It is also
said that education help people choose good health through life-styles by improving
their knowledge of the relationship between health behaviour and health outcome
(Oladipo, 2011).

3.1.5 Availability and Accessibility of Healthcare Facilities

A person place of residence to a large extend determines the type treatment choice the
person will make in the face of ill-health. This is because some forms of treatment
options may be non-existent due to one’s locality. This is particular to rural dwellers.
Generally, treatment options which are not localised within a particular rural area may
not be effortlessly available due to factors such as poverty, location of healthcare
facilities, the availability of transport, poor roads, the time taken to reach these facilities,
and the overall cost implications. In fact, among these factors, the distance between
those in need of healthcare and the nearest health facility has been noted as a very
serious barrier to good healthcare choices, especially in the rural areas (Abdullahi,
2007).

3.1.6 Organisation factors

Most people in the rural areas are obviously poor and depend very much on the public
owned health facilities which they perceive as being more affordable than the private-
owned ones. Lack of good healthcare facilities in the rural areas affects the health
seeking practice of these communities. In addition, the quality of service obtained
previously (patient/client satisfaction), availability, affordability of recommended
medications, confidentiality principally in diseases which attract stigma from the
society, attitude of health care providers, waiting time before consultation, availability
and expertise of staff, and adequate equipment of facilities among others influences the
health seeking behaviour in rural areas (Oladipo, 2010).

4.0 SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISE

Briefly explain any four factors that may influence people’s decision on the choice of
healthcare system.

5.0 CONCLUSION
The health seeking behaviour of people depends upon exiting health system as well as
how people to decide the type of health care system to consult and when and why to
comply with treatment or change the health care provider based on their cultural and
religious believes, educational status, availability and accessibility of health facility.

7.0 SUMMARY
In this unit, you have learnt that the community’s culture influences its values, belief
and customs which affect views on the choice of pattern of healthcare system. You also
learnt that men are significantly less likely to visit physician than women each year.
They are also more likely to be diagnosed in with terminal illness at later stage of the
illness because of their reluctance to go to the physician. Furthermore, you learnt that

65
direct and indirect treatment costs are among the most commonly mentioned obstacles
to adequate health seeking behaviour of the poor for obtaining prompt and adequate
treatment, treatment compliance and access to preventive measures such as personal
and environmental hygiene. The unit explained that the level of one’s education help
people to choose good health through life-styles by improving their knowledge of the
relationship between health behaviour and health outcome. You also learnt that person’s
place of residence to a large extent determines the type of treatment choice the person
will make in the face of ill-health.

66
4.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READING

Abdullahi, A. (2007). Assessment of information needs and seeking behaviour of

undergraduates in university of Ilorin, Nigeria.

World Health Organization (WHO) (2009). Traditional headers as community health

workers. Geneva: WHO.

Oladipo J. A. (2010). Determinants of health care utilisation in the management of

health care services: case study of Kwara State, Nigeria. Unpublished Ph.D
Dissertation.

67
MODULE 5 MANAGEMENT OF HEALTHCARE
DELIVERY SYSTEM
You could recall that in module 1 and 2, you have learnt about concept of healthcare
delivery system, its characteristics and resources, and the eight (8) basic healthcare
services. You also learnt about four (4) major sectors or agencies responsible for
provision of healthcare i.e government, national health insurance scheme, private
sectors and non-governmental organisations. Meanwhile, module 3 and 4 exposes you
to the three (3) levels of healthcare i.e the Primary Healthcare (PHC), Secondary Health
Care and Tertiary Health care, the two types of health facilities i.e chronic and acute
health facilities, various health regulatory bodies in Nigeria that provide standards for
various health profession and organisations. The patterns of healthcare delivery system,
alternative and complimentary healthcare, factors influencing choice of healthcare
patterns were also learnt. However, in this module you will learnt about the meaning of
healthcare management and managerial skills for effective service delivery. The tasks
undertaken by health managers, the meaning of public health law, the scope of public
law and its importance will also learn in this unit.

Unit 1 Overview of Healthcare Management

Unit 2 Task of the Health Managers
Unit 3 Public Health Laws

UNIT 1 OVERVIEW OF HEALTHCARE

MANAGEMENT
Contents
1.0 Introduction
2.0 Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
3.0 Main Content
3.1 Healthcare Management
3.2 Planning
3.3 Budgeting
3.4 Assessment and Mobilisation of Resources
4.0 Self-Assessment Exercise
5.0 Conclusion
6.0 Summary
7.0 References/Further Reading

1.0 INTRODUCTION
You could recall that you have learnt about healthcare structures, healthcare facilities
and regulators in Module 3, Units 1, 2 and 3 respectively. Therefore, in this unit, you
will learn about meaning of healthcare management. You will also learn about planning,
budgeting, supervision, monitoring and evaluation, assessment and mobilisation of
resources as managerial skills that a healthcare administrator should possess for
effective service delivery.

68
2.0 INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs)
By the end of this unit, you will be able to:
 explain the meaning of healthcare management.
 describe the process of effective management of healthcare system.

3.0 MAIN CONTENT

3.1 Healthcare Management

Healthcare management refers to leadership in management or administration in health
care system or hospitals including, primary, secondary and tertiary health care centers.
It aims to ensure that specific outcomes are attained within a department or unit in in
any health organisation. It involves smooth running of health care sector, giving job to
right people , people knowing what are expected from them, efficient use of resources
and team work among all department or unit to achieve organisational goals,
development and growth (Haddock, 2002).

3.2 Planning
Planning is a process that appraises the overall health needs of a geographic area or
population and determines how these needs can be met in the most effective manner
through the allocation of existing and anticipated future resources. Planning involves
specification of goals and the preparation of a strategy to achieve the goals (Kabir,
2004).

Ultimately, planning identifies the needs of the target population and determines the
best way for meeting those needs. There are many reasons why we plan, this can be
emerge from the community, an organisation or interest of a particular group or
individual. However, planning in health sectors reflects the influence of the political,
social and economic considerations that are within the particular healthcare
environment.

3.3 Budgeting
This is a process of making estimate of income and expenditure for future period, which
may lead to allocation of fund for purchase and maintenance of health products and
services and to support health programmes. Sound budgeting and financial planning in
healthcare organisations is important in maintaining service levels and running
sustainable operation. In an uncertain economy, like Nigerian economy, cost can rise
faster than revenue, which is a challenging situation for any managerial staff. However,
healthcare managers have additional issues to contend with, such as fluctuating
insurance and medical care reimbursement rate (Kabir, 2004)

Click here: https://www.floridatechonline.com/blog/healthcare-

management/healthcare-financial-planning/

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3.4 Assessment and Mobilization of Resources
This is a process of checking resources that are available or those that could be made
available to improve the health of the community. These resources includes money,
manpower and materials that can be provided in any health care programmes.
Sources include:
 public funds generated from taxes;
 public insurance/social security;
 private insurance;
 out-of-pocket personal resources.

In addition the resources that comes from government, other resources comes internally
from self-help and community effort, and externally in form of aid from developed
countries must. The National Health Policy also provide guidelines for spending of
public resources in private sector in selecting the most beneficial and most cost-
effective interventions. However, in recent times, the concept of public/private
partnerships is encourage in implementing various projects or programmes in the health
sector (Haddock, 2012).

3.5 Supervision
Supervision is a process that involves a manager meeting regularly and interacting with
worker(s) to review their work. This is a crucial component in the management of health
services. It involves appropriate supervision of staff, programmes and facilities. It is
one of the essential function to be performed by the leader of each group or subgroup.
To be a good leader, you need to know the tasks need to performed know what tasks
need to be performed and the skill required by a workers under supervision. Best results
are obtain in an organisation if there is a there is positive feedback, not only blaming
workers when things goes wrong but. Organisational goals could also be achieved by
praising and rewarding good performance. Therefore, supervisors are suppose to teach
colleagues as well as learning from them. Regular supervision of performance should
be carried out to prevent slackness in procedures (Jill & Lesley, 2012).

3.6 Monitoring and Evaluating Health Programmes

Monitoring is the systematic and routine collection of information from projects and
programmes for the purpose of improving practices and internal and external
accountability of the resources. On the other hand, evaluation is assessing, as
systematically and objectively as possible, a completed project or programme or a phase
of an ongoing project or programme that has been completed (Haddock, 2012).

Monitoring and evaluation must be built into the health programmes and should be an
essential feature of each health unit no matter how small it is. Without it, thing will go
wrong for a long time without coming to the notice of the health authorities. Failure to
monitor and evaluate health programmes is one of the commonest causes of waste in
health services. The process involves collecting base line data, planning intervention to
monitor the impact of activities.

4.0 SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISE

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i. Identify seven processes used to manage healthcare system effectively.
ii. Briefly explain any of the three processes above.

Answer
1. a. Planning (b) Budgeting (c) Monitoring and evaluation of health programs (d)
Resource management (e )(Supervision (f) Assessment and mobilisation of
resources

2. (a) Planning
A process that appraises the overall health needs of a geographic area or
population and determines how these needs can be met in the most
effective manner through the allocation of existing and anticipated future
resources.
(b) Budgeting
Is a process of making estimate of income and expenditure for future
period, which may lead to allocation of fund for purchase and
maintenance of health products and services and to support health
programmes. Sound budgeting and financial planning is very vital in
maintaining healthcare services and running a sustainable operations.
(c) Assessment and mobilization of resources
This is process of checking the resources that are available and that those
that could be available in improving the health of the community. They
includes money, manpower and materials that can be deployed for use in
the health programme.
(d) Management resources
The resources available to health managers should skilfully managed at
all levels. For effective service delivery, management staff need to devote
their time in dealing with administrative and other managerial issues.
(e) Supervision
Is one of the crucial component of managing health services. Appropriate
supervision is an essential function to be performed by the leader of each
group or subgroup. To get an effective service delivery, the leader must
master the tasks need to be performed and the skills required by the
worker under supervision.
(f) Monitoring and evaluating health programmes
Is a process of assessing health programmes and is an essential feature
of each health organisation no matter how is it is. Without monitoring
and evaluation, things could go wrong for a long without coming to the
notice of the authourities concern.

5.0 CONCLUSION
Having good managerial skills is the key to success of any healthcare organisation. For
healthcare system to function effectively, its managers should have skills in planning,
budgeting, supervision, monitoring and evaluation, assessment and mobilisation of
resources.

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6.0 SUMMARY
You could recall that you have learnt the definition of healthcare management, which
is described as leadership and general administration of healthcare system to ensure that
positive outcomes are achieved. You also learnt about planning, budgeting, supervision,
monitoring and evaluation of healthcare resources as managerial skill required by health
managers for smooth running of any health organisation.

7.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READING

Haddock, C.C. (2002). A brief history of healthcare management..

https://www.healthknowledge.org.uk/public-health-textbook/organisation-
management/5d- theory-process-strategy-development/health-service-
development-planning

Jill, B. & Lesley D. (2012). Leadership in health care. Sage Publications Ltd;
ISBN 1446207633.

Kabir, M. (2004). Basic facts on health management. Kano: Gidan dabino publishers.

72
UNIT 2 TASKS OF THE HEALTH MANAGERS
Contents
1.0 Introduction
2.0 Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
3.0 Main Content
3.1 Tasks for the Health Managers
3.1.1 Measurement of Needs
2.1.1 Assessment and Mobilisation of Resources
2.1.2 Definition of Goals
2.1.3 Planning of Programmes
2.1.4 Monitoring and Evaluation of Health Programmes
4.0 Self-Assessment Exercise
5.0 Conclusion
8.0 Summary
7.0 References/Further Reading

1.0 INTRODUCTION
In unit 1 of this module, you learnt about the concept of healthcare management and the
basic skills required by healthcare mangers for smooth running of healthcare system.
Therefore, this unit explains the tasks undertaken by health managers for effective
healthcare delivery. This includes measurement of needs, assessment and mobilisation
of resources, definition of goals, planning of programmes, monitoring and evaluation
of health programmes.

2.0 INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs)

By the end of this unit, you will be able to:
 appraise the tasks of health managers in health sectors
 describe the nature of tasks performed by health managers.

3.0 MAIN CONTENT

3.1 Tasks for the Health Managers

In order to accomplish process of translating knowledge into effective action, the health
authorities need to perform five major tasks as follows:
- Measurement of needs
- Assessment and mobilisation of resources
- Definition of goals
- Planning of programmes
- Monitoring and evaluation.

73
 Tasks for the Health Managers

Assessment and
Measurement of Planning of Monitoring and
mobilisation of Definition of goals
needs programmes evaluation.
resources

Fig. 5.1: Tasks for the Health Managers

3.2 Measurement of Needs

Measurement of needs is one of the major roles of healthcare managers. This includes
all the activities aimed at gathering information about the health status of the community
and identifying the factors which influence it. Such determinants include hereditary,
environmental and cultural factors. The health needs of the community can be measured
using a questionnaire, interview, checklist, personal observation and assessment of
hospital records to collect information concerning the needs of the community.
Statistics provide essential information about the needs of the population, demand and
utilisation of services, effectiveness and cost of services management of the health
programmes and services (Lucas & Gilles, 2003).

3.3 Assessment and Mobilisation of Resources

To achieve an effective healthcare system, there must be a realistic assessment of
resources that are available or could be made available for improving the health of the
community. These resources include money, manpower and materials that can be
deployed for use in the health programmes. Sources include: public funds generated
from taxes, public insurance/social security, and private insurance, out-of-pocket
personal resources (WHO, 1985).

In addition to the resources that are available from government, other sources both
internal (from self-help and community effort) and external (in the form of aid) must be
explored. National health policy directly relates to the spending of public resources but
it also gives guidance to the private sector in selecting the most beneficial and most
cost-effective interventions.

3.4 Definition of Goals

On the basis of information obtained about the health needs of the community and the
available resources, it is necessary to set realistic targets in terms of measurable
improvement in the health of the community. According to Lucas and Gilles (2003),
the matching of needs to resources requires a careful selection of priorities; this could
be achieved by finding answers to the following questions:
a. What are the major problems?
b. How can the problems be tackled?
c. What is the expected impact of such interventions?

74
d. Setting priorities also involves making hard choices; with limited resources and
relatively underdeveloped services and infrastructure, the health plan must
selectively include the most cost effective interventions.

3.5 Planning of Programmes

Planning involves the specification of goals and the preparation of a strategy to achieve
the goals. Although the health plan is first and foremost the responsibility of the
mangers in the health sector. However, the important role of other sectors in healthcare
delivery should not be overlooked by health managers. Thus it is necessary to involve
other sectors in planning health programmes such as: agriculture sector– from the point
of view of nutrition as well as such issues as the use of pesticides; works – with regard
to housing, drainage, community water supplies, and other aspects of environmental
sanitation; education – with special reference to the health of school children, the school
environment, and health education in schools. The value of the involvement of the
community in devising the health plan cannot be over-emphasised (Lucas & Gilles,
2003).

People should also be consulted, they must be persuaded and they must be given
responsibility in decision-making under the technical and professional guidance of
health workers. The plan must not be imposed but at every step the people must
participate in devising the strategies which are most compatible with their needs and
resources.

3.6 Monitoring and Evaluation of Health Programmes

This process of monitoring and evaluation must be built into the health programme and
should be an essential feature of each health unit no matter how small. Without it, things
could go far wrong for a long time without coming to the notice of the health authorities.
Failure of health managers to include mechanisms for monitoring and evaluation is one
of the commonest causes of waste in health services. Using objective indicators,
baseline data must be collected, the planned interventions must be monitored and the
impact of the activities must be studied (WHO, 1989).

4.0 SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISE

1. Identify the major tasks performed by health managers
2. Briefly explain any of the three tasks performed by those heading the affairs of
health sectors.

Answer
1. a. Measurement of needs b. assessment and mobilization of resources c.
definition of goals d. planning of programmes e. monitoring and
evaluation.
2. a. Measurement of needs
This includes all the activities aimed at gathering information about the health
status of the community and identifying the factors which influence it. The health
needs of the community can be measured using a questionnaire, interview,

75
 checklist, personal observation and assessment of hospital records to collect
information concerning the needs of the community.
b. Assessment and mobilisation of resources
To achieve an effective healthcare system, there must be a realistic assessment
of resources that are available or could be made available for improving the
health of the community. These resources include money, manpower and
materials that can be deployed for use in the health programmes. Sources
include: public funds generated from taxes, public insurance/social security, and
private insurance, out-of-pocket personal resources.
c. Definition of goals
On the basis of information obtained about the health needs of the community
and the available resources, it is necessary to set realistic targets in terms of
measurable improvement in the health of the community. The matching of needs
to resources requires a careful selection of priorities.
d. Planning of health programmes
Planning involves the specification of goals and the preparation of a strategy to
achieve the goals. Although the health plan is first and foremost the
responsibility of the mangers in the health sector. It is necessary to involve other
sectors in planning health programmes such as: agriculture sector– from the
point of view of nutrition as well as such issues as the use of pesticides; works –
with regard to housing, drainage, community water supplies, and other aspects
of environmental sanitation; education – with special reference to the health of
school children, the school environment, and health education in schools. The
value of the involvement of the community in devising the health plan cannot be
over-emphasized.
e. Monitoring and evaluation of health programmes
This process of monitoring and evaluation must be built into the health
programme and should be an essential feature of each health unit no matter how
small. Without it, things could go far wrong for a long time without coming to
the notice of the health authorities. Failure of health managers to include
mechanisms for monitoring and evaluation is one of the commonest causes of
waste in health services.

5.0 CONCLUSION
Success in the healthcare system depends on the commitments and the skills of health
managers to perform their tasks. Failure of health managers to perform tasks such as
measurement of needs, assessment and mobilisation of resources, definition of goals,
planning of programmes, and monitoring and evaluation are the commonest causes of
waste in health services.

6.0 SUMMARY
In this unit, you have learnt that to accomplish process of translating knowledge into
effective action, the health authorities needs to perform five major tasks as follows: (a)
measurement of needs through gathering information about the health status of the
community and identifying the factors which influence it; (b) Assessment and
mobilization of resources; (c) Definition of goals: setting realistic targets in terms of

76
measurable improvement in the health of the community; (d) Planning; which involves
the specification of goals and the preparation of a strategy to achieve the goals; (e)
monitoring and evaluation of health programmes.

7.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READING

Development Health Research (1990). Essential link to equity in development. New
York: Oxford University Press.

WHO (1985). Health Manpower requirements for the achievement of “Health for All”
by 2000. Technical report series No. 717.

WHO (1986). Regulatory mechanisms for nursing training and practice meeting
Primary health needs. Geneva: WHO

WHO (1989). Management of human resources for health. Technical Report Series No.
783. Geneva: WHO.

Lucas, A. O & Giles, H. M. (2003). Short text book of public health for the tropics. (4th
ed.). New York: Oxford University Press

77
UNIT 3 PUBLIC HEALTH LAW
Contents
1.0 Introduction
2.0 Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
3.0 Main Content
3.1 Overview of Public Health Law
3.2 Law as a Public Health Tool
3.3 Scope of Public Health Laws
3.3.1 Disease and Injury Prevention
3.3.2 Law of Population
3.3.3 Communicable Disease and Law Enforcement
3.4 Sources of Public Health Law
4.0 Self-Assessment Exercise
5.0 Conclusion
9.0 Summary
7.0 References/Further Reading

1.0 INTRODUCTION
Public health is one of the tools used by governments and authorities in health sectors
to influence the health of the population. Public health laws are very critical in
preventing diseases and premature death. This unit explains the meaning of public
health law, the scope of public law, its importance and sources.

2.0 INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs)

By the end of this unit, you will be able to:
 explain the meaning of public health law
 identify the scope and topics covered by public health
 describe the sources of public health.

3.0 MAIN CONTENT

3.1 Overview of Public Health Law

Public health law refers to legal practice, scholarship and advocacy on issues involving
the government’s duties to prevent the spread of diseases and promoting health by
ensuring the conditions for people to be healthy. It also involve ways on how balance
duties and authourities with “individual rights, privacy, property liberty, and other
legally protected interests. The public health laws aims to protect and promote
individual, family and community health (Gostin, 2008).

Enforcement of public health laws are responsibilities of health officers, public health
inspectors and the medical officers of health. The extent to which public health laws are
used is dependent with legal system of the country, state or local government, and it
varies from country to country. The law gives power to some health personnel, such as
environmental health offices to enter into premises and to take action to prevent the
propagation of disease. Meanwhile, public health law may cover such topics as:

78
- Birth registration
- Death registration
- Environmental health
- Sales of food and drugs
- Quarantine and prevention of disease
- Registration of medical personnel
- Control of disease-bearing insects including the control of breeding sites in
households
- Registration of schools

3.2 Law as a Public Health Tool

Public health law checks the power of the government at various jurisdictional levels to
improve the health of the community within the norms and values of the society. The
issues that are related to public health laws ranges from narrow questions of legal
interpretation to complex issues involving public health policy, social justice and ethics
(Paul, 2010).

Statutes, regulations and litigation are legal tools that plays a crucial role and
achievement modern public health care. This includes advances in diagnosis, treatment,
surgery, prevention and control of diseases, food safety, occupational health, among
others. For example, the Nigerian government and all the 36 states in the country have
has passed a law that mandated every child to be vaccinated with oral polio vaccine
(OPV).

3.3 Scope of Public Health Laws

There are three major areas in public health law. This includes disease and injury
prevention, communicable diseases and law enforcement and the law of populations.

3.3.1 Disease and Injury Prevention

This is an area of public health law which is concern with prevention of disease and
injury. Health and legal practitioners apply regulations, legislation, litigation (private
enforcement), and international law to solve the health problems using the law as an
instrument of public health (Moulton, Goodman & Parmet, 2007).

3.3.2 Communicable Disease and Law Enforcement

Every country have specific regulations and national laws for prevention and control of
communicable diseases. Internationally, International Health Regulations [IHR]
addresses this issues. There are many regulations under IHR that address this topic. The
2005 IHR aims to reduce spread of diseases of international concern. It offers global
regulations concerning people and goods.

3.3.3 Law of Population

This is new terminology in jurisprudence that analyses legal problems using
epidemiological tools. The legal analysis in population-based laws can be applied to
traditional health care, but it can also be applied in environmental law, zoning, evidence,
and complex tort (Garcia, (2010).

79
3.4 Sources of Public Health Law
According to Moulton, Goodman and Parmet (2007), the following are five basic
sources of public health law:
3.4.1 Constitutions: This is a constitutional protections of citizen’s right which is
consistent in promotion of public health. It involves government actions to
advance the health of the community.
3.4.2 International agreement: This are executive agreements and treaties that
require creation of domestic laws based on mutual agreement between two or
more nations.
3.4.3 Legislation: This are policies for distribution of public funds and resources by
enacting statutes, which are commonly called ordinances at the local level .It
includes federal, state and local council legislative bodies.
3.4.4 Regulations: This is concern with rules and regulations from the executive
branch of government, such as the President, governor, local government
chairmen, county executive and agencies such as departments of public health.
Regulations are based on authority delegated by the legislature through statutes.
The boards of health agencies guide and oversee the delivery of public health
services and activities. The functions and responsibilities of the boards generally
depends on their legal authority and powers as defined in state statutes.
3.4.5 Case Laws: This refers to judicial branch, such as courts, which interpret laws,
resolves dispute and balancing community’s needs based with constitutionally
protected rights of the individual.

80
4.0 SELF ASSESSMENT EXERCISE
i. What is public health law?
ii. Identify the topics covered by public health law
iii. Briefly explain the sources of public health law

Answer
i. Public health law refers to legal practice, scholarship and advocacy on issues
involving the government’s legal authorities and duties to prevent the spread of
diseases and promote the citizen’s health. It involves how to balance duties with
individual rights to autonomy, liberty, property, privacy, and other legally
protected interests. Public health laws are enacted to protect and promote
individual and community health.

ii. Topic covers by public health law:

- Births registration
- Death registration
- Control of disease-bearing insects including the control of breeding sites
in households
- Registration of health personnel
- Registration of schools
- Quarantine and prevention of disease
- Environmental health.
- Sales of food and drugs

iii. Sources of public health laws

i. Constitutions: This is a constitutional protections of citizen’s
right which is consistent in promotion of public health. It involves
government actions to advance the health of the community.
ii. International agreement: This are executive agreements and
treaties that require creation of domestic laws based on mutual
agreement between two or more nations.
iii. Legislation: This are policies for distribution of public funds and
resources by enacting statutes, which are commonly called
ordinances at the local level .It includes federal, state and local
council legislative bodies.
iv. Regulations: This is concern with rules and regulations from the
executive branch of government, such as the President, governor,
local government chairmen, county executive and agencies such as
departments of public health. Regulations are based on authority
delegated by the legislature through statutes.
v. Case Laws: This refers to judicial branch, such as courts,
which interpret laws, resolves dispute and balancing community’s
needs based with constitutionally protected rights of the
individual.

81
5.0 CONCLUSION
Mastery of legal tools by healthcare managers such as regulations, statutes, and
litigation plays a crucial role and achievements modern health care. It includes advances
prevention and control of diseases, treatment, surgery food safety, occupational health,
among others.

6.0 SUMMARY
You could recall that in this unit, you have learnt public laws are enacted to protect and
promote individual and community health. You also learnt that public health law covers
such topics as births and deaths registration, prevention and control of disease, sales of
food and drugs, quarantine, registration of medical personnel, registration of schools
and environmental health. There are three major areas of concern in public health law.
This includes communicable diseases and law enforcement, disease and injury
prevention, and the law of populations. Furthermore, you learnt that the legal authority
relevant to citizen’s health comes from five basic legal sources and from every level of
government; constitutions, international agreements/treaties, legislation by federal,
states and LGAs councils, regulations by boards and professional regulatory bodies and
case laws through courts to resolve disputes and interprets laws.

7.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READING

Garcia, M. J. (2010). International law and agreements: Their effect upon U.S. law.
Washington: Congressional Research Service. Available from:
http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/ RL32528.pdf.

Gostin, L. O. (2008). Public health law: Power, duty, restraint. (2nd ed.). Berkeley,
CA: University of California Press.

Moulton, A. D., Goodman, R. A. & Parmet, W. E. (2007). Perspectives: law and great
public health achievements. In: Goodman RA, Hoffman RE, Lopez W,
Matthews GW (Eds).

Paul, M. N. (2010). Public health law basics. Public Health Law Center. Available from
http://phlc.stylefish.com/topics/public-health-law-basics.

82
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