Rethinking the Foundations of the Nigerian Health System for Employment and Wealth Creation for Sustainable Development in Delta State
Chapter One
Research Objectives
The main objective of the study is to evaluate the foundations of the Nigerian health system for employment and wealth creation for sustainable development in Delta state, and the specific objectives are:
- To assess the current state of the Nigerian health system in Delta State in terms of its ability to generate employment opportunities and foster wealth creation.
- To identify the barriers faced by the Nigerian health system in Delta State regarding employment generation and wealth creation.
- To highlight recommendations for rethinking the foundations of the Nigerian health system in Delta State to enhance employment opportunities and promote wealth creation.
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
Conceptual Review
Employment Generation and Wealth Creation in the Health Sector
The health sector plays a significant role in employment generation and wealth creation, contributing to economic growth and development. The sector encompasses a wide range of activities, including healthcare services, pharmaceuticals, medical technology, research, and development (Akin, 2013). By creating job opportunities and generating wealth, the health sector contributes to poverty reduction, improved standards of living, and overall societal well-being.
Employment Generation: The health sector is a major employer, providing jobs for a diverse range of professionals, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory technicians, healthcare administrators, and support staff. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the health sector is one of the largest employers globally, employing millions of people worldwide (WHO, 2021a). This employment not only benefits individuals and their families but also contributes to the overall economic stability of countries.
In addition to direct employment in healthcare facilities, the health sector also generates indirect employment in related industries. For instance, the pharmaceutical industry, which is closely linked to the health sector, creates jobs in drug manufacturing, research and development, sales and marketing, and distribution. The medical technology sector likewise creates employment opportunities in the development, production, and maintenance of medical equipment and devices.
Wealth Creation: The health sector has the potential to generate substantial wealth, both at the individual and national levels. The provision of healthcare services generates revenue through various sources, including private payments, health insurance, and government funding. This revenue contributes to the financial sustainability of healthcare institutions and can be reinvested in infrastructure, equipment, and human resources (Akin, 2013).
Moreover, the health sector fosters innovation and research, leading to the development of new drugs, therapies, and medical technologies. This innovation not only improves health outcomes but also generates economic value. The pharmaceutical industry, for example, invests significant resources in research and development, resulting in the discovery of new drugs and treatments (Frank, 2016). This leads to the creation of intellectual property, job opportunities, and revenue through the sale and licensing of pharmaceutical products.
The health sector also stimulates other sectors of the economy. For instance, the demand for medical supplies, equipment, and services creates business opportunities for suppliers, manufacturers, and service providers. This ripple effect extends to other sectors, such as construction, transportation, and hospitality, as healthcare facilities require infrastructure development, logistics, and accommodation for patients and their families.
Regional and Global Impact: The health sector’s impact extends beyond national boundaries. The globalization of healthcare has led to the growth of medical tourism, where individuals travel to other countries for medical treatment. This trend has resulted in the cross-border movement of patients, healthcare professionals, and investments. Countries with advanced healthcare systems and specialized medical expertise have attracted international patients, contributing to their economies (Clement, 2016).
Furthermore, advancements in healthcare research and technology have led to the export of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and telemedicine services. This export of health-related products and services contributes to foreign exchange earnings and economic growth. Developing countries, in particular, have the potential to benefit from such exports, as they can leverage their expertise in specific areas, such as traditional medicine or affordable generic drugs (Clement, 2016).
The health sector plays a vital role in employment generation and wealth creation. It provides diverse employment opportunities for individuals and contributes to economic growth. The sector’s impact extends beyond healthcare facilities and extends to related industries, research and development, and international trade (Pry, 2016). Governments and policymakers should recognize the potential of the health sector to drive economic development and prioritize investments, infrastructure, and policies that support its growth.
Health and Healthcare System
Health is a multifaceted concept that encompasses physical, mental, and social well-being. It is influenced by a range of factors, including individual behaviors, social and economic factors, and the physical environment (World Health Organization, 2021a). The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” (WHO, 2021a). This definition highlights the holistic nature of health and emphasizes the importance of addressing not only physical health but also mental and social well-being.
The healthcare system is a complex network of institutions, organizations, professionals, and resources that work together to deliver healthcare services to individuals and communities. It encompasses various components, including healthcare providers (such as doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals), healthcare facilities (such as hospitals, clinics, and community health centers), health insurance schemes, pharmaceutical companies, and government agencies responsible for health policies and regulations (World Health Organization, 2021b).
Access to healthcare services is a critical aspect of the healthcare system. It refers to the timely use of personal health services to achieve the best possible health outcomes. However, access to healthcare is not equitable globally, with disparities existing between and within countries (World Health Organization, 2021b). Factors influencing access to healthcare include geographical location, socioeconomic status, education level, and cultural beliefs (World Health Organization, 2021b). These disparities in access can lead to unequal health outcomes and exacerbate existing health inequities.
Efficient healthcare systems focus not only on the provision of medical services but also on prevention, promotion, and health education. Preventive healthcare measures aim to reduce the risk of diseases and promote healthy behaviors. This includes immunizations, screenings, and lifestyle interventions such as tobacco cessation and healthy eating (World Health Organization, 2021c). Health promotion efforts aim to empower individuals and communities to take control of their health through education, awareness campaigns, and the creation of supportive environments (World Health Organization, 2021c).
Healthcare systems vary across countries and are influenced by political, economic, and cultural factors. Different models of healthcare systems exist, including the Beveridge model, the Bismarck model, the National Health Insurance model, and the out-of-pocket model (World Health Organization, 2021b). The Beveridge model, implemented in the United Kingdom, provides healthcare services to all citizens funded by taxation. The Bismarck model, used in countries such as Germany and France, relies on social insurance programs where healthcare costs are shared between employers and employees. The National Health Insurance model, found in countries like Canada and Taiwan, is based on government-run insurance programs. The out-of-pocket model, common in low-income countries, requires individuals to pay for healthcare services directly (World Health Organization, 2021b).
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOY
Research Design
According to Orodho, (2003) descriptive design is effective because it allowed the researchers to collect the necessary information. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design in investigating the foundations of the Nigerian health system for employment and wealth creation for sustainable development in Delta state. This design is adopted for the study because it aims to accurately and systematically describe a population, situation or phenomenon. It can answer what, where, when and how questions. Also, can use a wide variety of research methods to investigate one or more variables.
Research Population
Population constitutes elements possessing similar traits that are being investigated (Ngechu, 2004). Medical practitioners and stakeholders in Delta State constituted the research population of the study.
Sampling procedures
Since it involves the organization of the inquiries and the purposeful choice of particular units of the universe for the purpose of constituting a small sample, The purposive sampling technique is adopted in the study because it enabled the researcher to obtain the right sample that provided enough information related to the study area.
Study Location
The Study location is Delta State, Nigeria. One of the states that makes up Nigeria’s South-South geopolitical zone is called Delta State. The Niger Delta, of which a significant portion is located within the state, gave the state its name. On August 27, 1991, the state was created out of the territory of the old Bendel State. The state is bounded to the north by Edo State, to the east by Anambra State and Rivers State, and to the south by Bayelsa State. To the west of the state lies the Bight of Benin, which encompasses around 160 km of the state’s coastline. When the state was first established in 1991, it had a total of 12 local government areas; these were subsequently increased to 19 and the state presently has a total of 25 local government units.Asaba as its state capital is located along the River Niger on the northeastern end of the State, while the state’s economic centre is the twin cities of Warri and Uvwie.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA ANALYSIS AND PRESENTATIONS
Demographics details of respondents
Sex of Respondents
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary
The study aimed to assess the current state of the Nigerian health system in Delta State in terms of its ability to generate employment opportunities and foster wealth creation. The study also sought to identify barriers faced by the health system regarding employment generation and wealth creation, as well as highlight recommendations for enhancing employment opportunities and promoting wealth creation.
The significance of the study lies in its potential to provide valuable insights into the Nigerian health system and contribute to sustainable development in Delta State. By examining the relationship between the health system, employment generation, and wealth creation, this research can inform policymakers, healthcare stakeholders, and relevant organizations about areas that require attention and intervention. The scope of the study focused specifically on the Nigerian health system in Delta State, acknowledging the unique characteristics and challenges of the region. By narrowing the research focus, the study aimed to provide context-specific recommendations that can be effectively implemented within the state.
To accomplish the objectives of the study, various research questions were formulated, which were then used to design a questionnaire for data collection. The research questions explored the perception of respondents on different aspects of the health system, such as its effectiveness in generating employment opportunities, barriers hindering employment and wealth creation, and recommendations for improvement.
The findings from the analysis of the questionnaire responses revealed important insights. The study identified barriers such as inadequate healthcare infrastructure, insufficient funding, limited access to education and training programs, and a lack of supportive policies for entrepreneurship and innovation. These findings underscored the need for targeted interventions to address these barriers and create an enabling environment for employment generation and wealth creation within the health system.
Conclusion
This study on “Rethinking the Foundations of the Nigerian Health System for Employment and Wealth Creation for Sustainable Development in Delta State” has provided valuable insights into the current state of the Nigerian health system in Delta State and its potential for generating employment opportunities and fostering wealth creation. Through the assessment of the health system, identification of barriers, and formulation of recommendations, the study has shed light on crucial aspects that need to be addressed to enhance employment opportunities and promote wealth creation.
The findings revealed a mixed perception regarding the effectiveness of the Nigerian health system in generating employment opportunities and contributing to wealth creation. While there were positive perceptions, there were also concerns and areas for improvement. The study identified significant barriers such as inadequate healthcare infrastructure, insufficient funding, limited access to education and training programs, and a lack of supportive policies for entrepreneurship and innovation.
Recommendations
Based on the findings of the study on “Rethinking the Foundations of the Nigerian Health System for Employment and Wealth Creation for Sustainable Development in Delta State,” several key recommendations can be proposed to enhance employment opportunities and promote wealth creation within the Nigerian health system. These recommendations are as follows:
Strengthen Investments in Healthcare Infrastructure: The study highlighted the significance of adequate healthcare infrastructure for employment generation and wealth creation. Therefore, it is recommended to allocate substantial investments towards improving and expanding healthcare infrastructure in Delta State. This includes the construction and renovation of healthcare facilities, equipping them with modern medical technologies, and ensuring efficient healthcare service delivery.
Expand Access to Quality Education and Training Programs: The study revealed the importance of quality education and training programs for healthcare professionals in fostering employment opportunities and wealth creation. To address this, it is recommended to expand access to quality education and training programs for healthcare professionals in Delta State. This can involve increasing the number of educational institutions, enhancing curriculum development, and providing scholarships or financial assistance to encourage more individuals to pursue healthcare careers.
Implement Supportive Policies and Incentives for Healthcare Entrepreneurship and Innovation: The study identified a lack of supportive policies and incentives for healthcare entrepreneurship and innovation as a significant barrier to employment generation and wealth creation. Therefore, it is recommended to develop and implement policies that promote and support healthcare entrepreneurship and innovation. This can include providing financial incentives, tax breaks, and regulatory support for healthcare startups and innovative healthcare initiatives. It is also essential to create an enabling environment for healthcare entrepreneurs to access resources, collaborate with industry partners, and receive mentorship and support.
Foster Public-Private Collaborations and Partnerships: The study highlighted the potential of public-private collaborations and partnerships in driving employment opportunities and wealth creation within the healthcare sector. Therefore, it is recommended to foster and encourage collaborations between the public and private sectors in Delta State. This can involve creating platforms for dialogue and collaboration, facilitating knowledge sharing and resource pooling, and promoting joint initiatives and projects. Such collaborations can leverage the strengths and expertise of both sectors to enhance healthcare services, stimulate economic growth, and create employment opportunities.
Strengthen Monitoring and Evaluation Mechanisms: To ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of the recommended interventions, it is crucial to establish robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. This involves regularly monitoring the progress and impact of implemented strategies, collecting relevant data and feedback, and making necessary adjustments as needed. By systematically evaluating the outcomes and impacts of interventions, policymakers and stakeholders can identify areas of success, challenges, and areas for improvement, thus facilitating evidence-based decision-making and continuous improvement.
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