Evaluation of the Roles of Physicians and the Functionality of the Healthcare System in Nigeria

Abstract

Background: A comprehensive medical care system is required for effective healthcare delivery to people who need it. Even though exact configuration of healthcare services varies from country to country, a sturdy mechanism comprising of a robust financing, a well-trained and adequately paid workforce; research, policy recommendation and implementation is needed for a well-maintained system to deliver effective healthcare services. Methods: This is a descriptive study conducted on 100 Nigerian trained physicians with at least 1-year practice experience. The online questionnaire was administered to participants through social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook and twitter using purposive sampling method. Data analysis was done using Microsoft excel 2010 version. Results: The response rate was 100%. Ninety six percent (96%) and 99% of surveyed physicians think their monthly salary and the amount of money budgeted to the health sector is grossly inadequate. It was also noted that poor enumeration and/or low income 82/330 (25%) and poor medical facilities 70/330 (21%) are the commonest reasons they believe physicians  emigrate from Nigeria while problem identification (20.2%), provision of leadership, healthcare service delivery (13.5%), policy making and implementation (12.9%) and research and development (10.4%) are the commonest roles for physicians identified by study participants. Conclusion: The Nigerian physician is poorly enumerated, and the healthcare budget is poor. This accounts to large part why leave Nigeria.  There is need for better funding of the healthcare system in Nigeria and more involvement of physicians in leadership, research and policy development.