Why Our Hospitals Are Not Appealing

 By Maruf Orewole

In a nation where access to quality healthcare is paramount, the appeal and efficiency of hospitals in Nigeria face significant challenges. However, amidst these obstacles lies a transformative potential to reshape the healthcare sector for the better.

Through the adoption of modern management practices, harnessing the power of technology, addressing workforce shortages, combating corruption, and redefining administrative roles, Nigeria’s hospitals can evolve into beacons of exemplary healthcare.

As a keen observer of activities going on in Nigerian hospitals, I want to look at the challenges faced and the potential pathways to revolutionize healthcare delivery in the country for the benefit of health professionals, policymakers, and the general public.

To enhance hospital appeal, it is imperative to embrace modern management practices that optimize resource utilization and streamline operations. By incorporating intelligent facility planning, hospitals can design spaces that promote efficient patient flow, reduce congestion, and enhance overall operational efficiency.

There are hospitals in Nigeria where patients and relatives trek miles many times a day just to open a record for the patient, collect a test result, pay for service or even buy drugs. Point-of-service distribution strategies can be implemented to ensure that resources are allocated effectively, minimizing wait times and maximizing patient satisfaction. Furthermore, the adoption of electronic health records and automated systems enables seamless information sharing, improves data accuracy, and empowers healthcare providers to make informed decisions promptly.

Technology plays a pivotal role in overcoming barriers to healthcare access and quality. Many Nigerians live far from tertiary health institutions that take care of specialized health challenges. Telemedicine, for instance, allows patients in remote areas to receive specialized care through virtual consultations, reducing the burden of travel and increasing healthcare accessibility.

Embracing artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms can aid in early detection of diseases, facilitate personalized treatment plans, and optimize healthcare resource allocation. Digital health platforms empower patients by enabling them to actively participate in their healthcare management, facilitating remote monitoring, and providing educational resources.

Long waiting times and logistical challenges often deter patients from seeking healthcare services promptly and these sometimes lead to complications and casualties. To mitigate this, hospitals can implement efficient appointment systems that prioritize patient needs, reducing waiting times and improving overall patient experience.

Online registration and self-check-in kiosks streamline administrative processes, enabling patients to bypass queues and reduce man-hour loss. Moreover, the integration of mobile health applications allows patients to access healthcare services remotely, such as virtual follow-up consultations and prescription refills, minimizing the need for unnecessary in-person visits. With adequate infrastructure provision and training, these will no longer be utopian.

The shortage of skilled healthcare professionals remains a significant challenge in Nigeria’s hospitals. The country has lost so many healthcare professional to other countries due to inefficient human and material resources management and non-conducive work environment. The ‘japa’ syndrome, whereby our doctors and nurses move to America, Europe and Saudi Arabia might continue if the situations persist. To address this, comprehensive strategies are required to attract and retain talented individuals.

This includes robust recruitment efforts, competitive incentives, and career development opportunities to encourage healthcare professionals to remain within the system. Improving working conditions, providing ongoing training programmes, and fostering a supportive work environment are vital for retaining skilled staff. By optimizing the healthcare personnel-patient ratio, hospitals can ensure adequate staffing levels, reduce workload burden, and enhance the quality of care provided to patients.

Affordability is a crucial factor in healthcare access and utilization. Government intervention through increased funding, policy reforms, and the expansion of existing health insurance schemes can significantly reduce the financial burden on patients. The economic burden on majority of Nigerians, excluding health challenges, has reach a breaking point already and it requires concerted intervention. Efforts should be made to improve and simplify the enrollment process, broaden coverage, and reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

Public-private partnerships adopted by many hospitals are taking healthcare access out of reach of greater number of Nigerians. The government should be deliberate in making efforts to enhance healthcare infrastructure, ensure the availability of essential medications, and deliver cost-effective services to underserved communities.

Corruption within the healthcare system erodes trust and compromises patient care. To combat this challenge, robust governance structures, stringent monitoring systems, and transparent accountability mechanisms should be established. The SERVICOM offices in Nigerian hospitals have not been effective because of their non-independent nature. Whistleblower protection mechanisms should be in place to encourage the reporting of unethical practices.

Additionally, efforts to dismantle administrative bottlenecks and reduce bureaucratic red tape are crucial to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and promote a patient-centric healthcare environment. Ethical behaviour should be enforced through comprehensive training programs and stringent enforcement of professional codes of conduct.

The role of politicians appointed as hospital boards should be redefined to optimize hospital management and promote efficient decision-making. Shifting their focus from day-to-day operations to strategic oversight allows healthcare professionals to lead operational decisions effectively. This approach empowers healthcare providers to implement evidence-based practices, fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, and reduces unnecessary overbearing attitudes. By entrusting professionals with operational responsibilities, administrative barriers can be minimised, leading to more efficient and patient-centered healthcare delivery.

The challenges faced by Nigeria’s hospitals are diverse and complex, but they are not insurmountable. By embracing modern hospital management practices, harnessing the power of technology, addressing workforce shortages, combating corruption, and redefining administrative roles, Nigeria’s hospitals can undergo a remarkable transformation.

With the policy of petroleum subsidy removal, part of the released fund should be diverted to providing health infrastructure, create incentives to health workers and citizens in general and make healthcare efficient and accessible if not totally free like other countries that blessed with crude oil.

The journey towards an appealing and efficient healthcare system requires collaborative efforts from healthcare professionals, policymakers, government authorities, and the public. With a shared vision and commitment, Nigeria can revolutionize healthcare delivery, ensuring equitable access, affordability, and improved health outcomes for all its citizens.
*Orewole is an Assistant Director Research at National Centre for Technology Management, Ile-Ife.