Optimizing Health Care Delivery Services in Nigeria: Using the Analytic Network Process (ANP)

Abstract

Nigeria is a large, well-populated and developing country in the sub-Sahara Africa. Given its low pace of development, economic and social vices, and ineffective and inefficient public policies and programmes, health sector development has become a very big challenge. The consequences of this are low life expectancy, diseases, debility and morbidity. Health reforms and policies have been lope sided against the majority and against finding solutions for the most common diseases. The thrust of this paper is thus to adapt a veritable tool for decision making towards influencing optimal policy for the health sector. The Analytic Network Process or Analytic Hierarchy Process is found highly invaluable in this regard. The research shows that primary health ailments are commonest amongst the citizenry, and hence should be given greater attention. Hospitals generally in Nigeria should be well equipped. Local Government owned health centers should be supported with adequate funding and health personnel supply, as they are nearest to the people. Policies should be put in place to reduce brain drain particularly of the medical personnel. More importantly, Federal and State Governments must support health programmes and promote safe health culture through sensitization and improved health/ hygiene education.