Nigeria’s primary healthcare system has been plagued by significant challenges, including poor infrastructure, inadequate staffing, outdated equipment, and inconsistent drug supplies. These issues are largely attributed to systemic corruption, which undermines the effectiveness and accessibility of healthcare services.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare emphasises that a well-functioning primary healthcare system is crucial for achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Primary healthcare is the foundation of a robust healthcare system, providing essential services to all citizens. However, corruption in this sector manifests in various forms, such as bribery, ghost workers, drug diversion, and procurement fraud. These corrupt practices not only divert resources but also erode public trust in the healthcare system.
Others include drug diversion—essential medicines being sold on the black market for personal gain, and procurement fraud—the inflated supply of substandard products. These practices not only steal resources but also erode public trust in the healthcare system.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Mohammad Pate, highlighted the pervasive nature of corruption in Nigeria’s healthcare system during a recent dialogue on “Engendering Corruption-Free Primary Health Care Delivery in Nigeria.” Organized in collaboration with the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), the dialogue aimed to address the broader implications of corruption in the health sector.
Minister Pate likened corruption to an epidemic that spreads throughout various sectors, calling it a significant challenge requiring a concerted effort to overcome. He reiterated the ministry’s commitment to revamping the healthcare system and tackling systemic corruption head-on.
He said the ministry’s 4-pillar agenda: Governance-strengthening transparency and accountability, Health System Performance – improved quality of service that is unbiased, Value chain optimization-creating an enabling environment that encourages local production and Health security- effective emergency response, health campaigns and interventions free of corruption.
Minister Pate called for robust collaboration with the ICPC to address corruption in primary healthcare centres (PHCs) nationwide. Key steps include conducting Corruption Risk Assessments and System Studies to identify gaps and areas for improvement, with support from a reputable accounting firm.
Enhanced monitoring and accountability mechanisms are being implemented to track the flow of funds and resources at the primary healthcare level. This includes direct facility financing oversight, the establishment of email and phone hotlines, and web portals for reporting irregularities.
Public engagement and transparency initiatives will involve civil society and local communities to foster a culture of openness, deter corrupt practices, and encourage ethical behavior within the healthcare sector.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare remains committed to building a healthier and more just future for Nigeria by addressing the systemic corruption undermining the nation’s primary healthcare system.
Nigeria's primary healthcare system faces significant issues such as poor infrastructure, inadequate staffing, outdated equipment, and inconsistent drug supplies. Systemic corruption, including bribery, ghost workers, drug diversion, and procurement fraud, is a major contributor to these problems, undermining the effectiveness and accessibility of healthcare.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare stresses the importance of a well-functioning primary healthcare system for achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and restoring public trust. In efforts to address corruption, the ministry, led by Minister Mohammad Pate, collaborates with the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and employs a 4-pillar agenda: strengthening governance, improving health system performance, optimizing the value chain, and enhancing health security.
Key steps to combat corruption include conducting Corruption Risk Assessments, implementing monitoring and accountability mechanisms, and fostering public engagement and transparency. The Federal Ministry remains dedicated to creating a corruption-free healthcare environment to ensure a healthier future for Nigeria.
